As wildfires intensify, Coral Springs commuters could face delays. What to know
Coral Springs commuters are facing a potentially hazardous Thursday morning commute, as wildfires continue burning in the Big Cypress National Preserve, sending smoky skies into western Broward County and growing more intense overnight.
Crews in South Florida continue trying to contain a wildfire that has been intensifying and has burned more than 25,000 acres, some 20 miles from the immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades known as Alligator Alcatraz.
Heavy smoke is expected to reduce visibility on major roadways in the area, forcing detours along Interstate 75.
Alligator Alley temporarily closed
Alligator Alley was shut down Wednesday night before reopening at approximately 5:45 a.m. Thursday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The closure stretched from U.S. 27 in Broward to State Road 29 in Collier County, effectively shutting down the main east-west corridor across the Everglades.
Troopers said they will continue to monitor conditions along Alligator Alley on Thursday. Other options for drivers include using U.S. 27 north or U.S. 41 , both of which could see heavier traffic.
Smoke remains a concern
Even where roads remain open, smoke from the wildfire activity between mile markers 65 and 85 in Collier County may drift into Broward, creating sudden visibility problems.
FHP urges drivers to:
- Use low-beam headlights (high beams can make visibility worse in smoke or fog)
- Slow down before entering low-visibility areas
- Avoid stopping on the interstate
- Reduce distractions inside the vehicle
- Stopping on a highway in low visibility can trigger chain-reaction crashes, troopers warned
Here’s what to do
According to FHP, anyone planning to travel west from Broward on Thursday should:
- Expect longer drive times
- Plan for delays and detours
- Leave earlier than usual
- Check traffic updates before heading out
- Troopers say they will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed
What else to know
- Conditions could change quickly depending on overnight fire activity and wind, FHP warned.
- Drivers are encouraged to monitor official updates from FHP before heading out.
