South Florida drivers already navigating congestion and construction will face a new challenge this weekend as major lane reductions take effect on State Road 836.

Starting Saturday morning, the eastbound SR 836 ramp to southbound I-95/NW 8th Street will shrink from two lanes to one to allow for ramp widening. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) expects the restriction to last about four months.

To implement the changes, overnight closures will begin Friday, Feb. 28. The eastbound SR 836 ramp to southbound I-95 will be fully closed from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., forcing drivers to take detours.

Detours and driver reactions

During closures, drivers can take the northbound I-95 ramp, exit at NW 62nd Street and turn left to access the southbound I-95 ramp. 

Additionally, the northbound NW 12th Avenue ramp to eastbound SR 836 will be closed overnight, requiring drivers to take a series of turns through NW 12th Street, NW 13th Avenue and NW 14th Street to reconnect with SR 836.

The closures and lane reduction are part of the $840 million I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design-Build Project, which aims to improve access, capacity and traffic flow. FDOT says about 450,000 vehicles pass through the area daily.

For Miami's already frustrated drivers, the changes add to an ongoing struggle.

"It's bad already. I'm sure it's not gonna help, closing a lane," said Anthony Peck, who recently moved to Miami from Washington, D.C. "It's more congested during rush hour and I'd say the drivers here are a little more wild."

Sergio Reinosa, who drives SR 836 for work, agreed. "It's terrible traffic over here. Terrible, terrible," he said.

Long-term goals, short-term headaches

Despite the inconvenience, FDOT says the project will ultimately improve Miami's highway system. Plans include a new double-deck section for a direct connection to the MacArthur Causeway and southbound I-95.

"It's gonna be annoying, but it's probably for the better," Peck said.

The full project is expected to be completed by 2027. In the meantime, FDOT urges drivers to plan for delays and use alternate routes where possible.