$12.7 million project to raise Sheridan Street bridge over Florida's Turnpike begins this summer
Key Points(5)
- Broward County will begin a $12.7 million project this summer to raise the Sheridan Street Bridge over Florida's Turnpike, a move designed to improve safety and bring the structure into compliance with current clearance standards.
- The project, led by Broward County's Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division in partnership with contractor Structural Technologies, is scheduled to begin major construction in July 2026 following mobilization efforts in June.
- Work is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
- The half-mile project will increase the bridge's vertical clearance by two feet, raising it from 14 feet, 6 inches to 16 feet, 6 inches.
- County officials said the upgrade will reduce the risk of vehicle strikes and structural damage while meeting current transportation standards.
Broward County will begin a $12.7 million project this summer to raise the Sheridan Street Bridge over Florida's Turnpike, a move designed to improve safety and bring the structure into compliance with current clearance standards.
The project, led by Broward County's Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division in partnership with contractor Structural Technologies, is scheduled to begin major construction in July 2026 following mobilization efforts in June. Work is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
The half-mile project will increase the bridge's vertical clearance by two feet, raising it from 14 feet, 6 inches to 16 feet, 6 inches. County officials said the upgrade will reduce the risk of vehicle strikes and structural damage while meeting current transportation standards.
Funding for the project is being provided through the Florida Department of Transportation and Broward County's Penny for Transportation Surtax program.
In addition to elevating the bridge, the project includes a range of roadway improvements along the corridor, including new curbs, gutters and sidewalks, driveway enhancements, upgraded lighting and drainage systems, and the addition of designated shared lanes for cyclists and motorists.
Construction will be carried out in two phases to minimize traffic disruptions.
During the first phase, from summer through fall 2026, westbound lanes on Sheridan Street will be closed while eastbound lanes are reconfigured to accommodate one lane of traffic in each direction. Crews will elevate and reconstruct the westbound side of the bridge.
In the second phase, scheduled for winter 2026 into 2027, eastbound lanes will close while westbound lanes will carry traffic in both directions as crews reconstruct the eastbound side.
Periodic overnight closures of all Sheridan Street lanes will be required to safely implement traffic shifts and construction activities.
Officials said access to businesses, homes and emergency services will be maintained throughout the project.
Traffic on Florida's Turnpike will also be affected during portions of the work. Three travel lanes in each direction will remain open during daytime hours, although nightly single-lane closures will occur to allow installation of bridge lifting support systems.
The project will require up to 12 nights of full Turnpike closures between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. during bridge lifting operations planned for August and December 2026.
During northbound closures, drivers will be directed to exit at Hollywood Boulevard, travel north on U.S. 441/State Road 7, and re-enter the Turnpike at Griffin Road. Southbound motorists will be directed to exit at Griffin Road or State Road 84, travel south on U.S. 441/State Road 7, and re-enter at Hollywood Boulevard.
County officials said public safety remains the top priority and that advanced warning signs, work-zone indicators and electronic message boards will be placed throughout the construction area. The project team is also coordinating with local municipalities, schools and neighborhood associations to reduce disruptions.
Residents with questions or concerns can contact the project hotline at 954-218-7304.
