A new $330 million road connecting the South Florida mainland with the Florida Keys is finished. The new “18-Mile Stretch,” a segment of U.S. Highway 1 between Florida City and Key Largo, required almost seven years to build. A dedication ceremony marking the end of the project was staged Wednesday.
Officials said the new road features numerous safety, environmental and aesthetic enhancements for residents and visitors.
A concrete median barrier, painted Belize blue as recommended by marine life artist Wyland, stretches almost the entire length of the road and should drastically reduce the number of serious vehicular accidents.
“No. 1 is safety and we will be able to eliminate 10 to 14 critical accidents a year,” said Gus Pego, FDOT’s District 6 Secretary.
