Ramp Plates on I-75 Cause Concern for Some Drivers
What’s Behind the Steel Plates on the I-75 Ramp?
Drivers using the Palmetto Expressway are complaining about a new construction project that is catching them off-guard. The issue lies in the steel plates protruding from the road at the on-ramp from SR-826 north going to the I-75 ramp toward Naples. With construction on an interchange project at the Palmetto and I-75, there’s a new obstacle for drivers, forcing them to pump the brakes and abruptly slow down.
A Hazardous Obstacle for Some
Chopper6 recorded footage from above showing vehicles bouncing as they crossed over the huge steel plates with orange edges. Some drivers call them dangerous, and one driver told NBC6 that he almost got into an accident on Wednesday night.
A Close Call for One Driver
"I would say they are like 2 or 3 inches high, you know, out of the ground," said Gajuanza Mitchell, a frequent driver on the route. "They’re not all into the ground, so if someone has a very low car, like a lot of people do, it could cause a significant amount of damage to the vehicle." Mitchell, who drives to Doral from Fort Lauderdale, was surprised to notice the plates on his usual route.
A Near Miss
"I felt bumps. First bump, I felt I thought I hit something, and next thing you know, there’s a tractor-trailer on the side of me. I almost lost control of the vehicle because of the steel plates in the road," Mitchell recalled.
FDOT’s Explanation
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is developing the design for an interchange project at the ramps. The project will replace the joints along two bridges, widen a ramp, repave and restripe the road, upgrade the guardrail, and replace pavement markings.
Call for Better Signage
Mitchell believes that the state should do more to alert drivers about the steel plates. "If you guys are going to be putting some kind of objects on the road for whatever reason, we need to be informed, because if something happens to our vehicles, you guys aren’t going to pay for it. That damage will be on us," he said.
FDOT’s Response
NBC6 checked with FDOT about the plates. "Crews began performing joint replacements in this area last Monday. During the day, steel plates are placed over the expansion joints for coverage. Drivers may feel a slight bump when passing over these plates, but they are securely fastened using plate locks," FDOT said in a statement. "We have also implemented additional safety measures, including extra bolts and neoprene padding, to ensure the plates remain tightly sealed and secure. The plates will be in place for the next 45 days, notwithstanding any impacts from the weather or unforeseen conditions, while this work is being done. We’d like to remind the traveling public to always be safe and remain alert while driving in construction zones."
Conclusion
The steel plates on the I-75 ramp are a concern for some drivers, who feel that they are a safety hazard. While FDOT has implemented safety measures, some argue that more could be done to alert drivers about the plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the steel plates?
- The steel plates are part of a construction project to replace joints along two bridges, widen a ramp, repave and restripe the road, upgrade the guardrail, and replace pavement markings.
- Why were the drivers not warned about the steel plates?
- FDOT claimed that the drivers may feel a slight bump when passing over the plates, but they are securely fastened using plate locks. However, some drivers argue that more warning signs should be placed to alert them of the plates.
- How long will the steel plates be in place?
- The steel plates will be in place for the next 45 days, pending any impacts from the weather or unforeseen conditions, while the work is being done.
