Driving CFX: April 2024

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APRIL 2024 | ISSUE 101

TEXT SCAM TARGETING TOLL ROAD DRIVERS REPORTED IN FLORIDA

A text smishing scam targeting toll customers has been reported in at least three states, including Florida. The scammers will pose as a local tolling agency and send a text that states there is an outstanding toll balance and late fees. The text includes a link to a fraudulent website requesting personal financial information.

These texts started last month, and thousands of people have reported being targeted. On Friday, April 12, the FBI issued a warning statement about the scam.

If you receive an unsolicited text suggesting it is from Central Florida Expressway Authority or E-PASS -- STOP. DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK. CFX will not text you a link to pay an outstanding toll balance.

CFX HOLDS GROUNDBREAKING EVENT FOR SR 516 LAKE/ORANGE EXPRESSWAY

CFX took a bold step forward on April 4 toward building the most innovative and sustainable expressway in the agency’s history. CFX officials, local and state leaders, and industry experts broke ground on State Road 516, also known as the Lake/Orange Expressway, to much acclaim.

“The Lake/Orange Expressway will be an example of what is possible when we think about transportation into the future,” said Michelle Maikisch, Executive Director of CFX. “Innovation, technology and sustainable elements will make for more efficient and responsible transportation solutions.”

The 4.4-mile expressway will be built in three segments from SR 429 to US 27 with a targeted completion in 2027. Construction on the first section, located from the Lake/Orange County line to SR 429 just south of Schofield Road will begin in May 2024. Construction on the remaining two segments is anticipated to get underway later this year. To learn more about this project, click here.

FLEX LANES ON SR 417 NOW TESTING

CFX has begun testing Flex Lanes signs on SR 417 as part of the Capacity Improvement Projects from International Drive to State Road 528. These signs, located above the expressway on overhead gantries, may say “TEST” in different colors or display similar messages.

Designed with driver and first-responder safety in mind, Flex Lanes will use wider median shoulders to keep traffic moving when an incident occurs in one or more of the right lanes. Overhead signs will communicate to drivers which lanes are open, closed, and closing soon. Dynamic message and speed limit signs will also be used to keep drivers moving through the corridor during an incident on the roadway.

Testing is expected to continue through early summer, with the first lanes on SR 417 officially opening in late summer. For more information about Flex Lanes, click here.

SAVE UP TO 50% ON TOLLS WITH 2024 STATE TOLL RELIEF PROGRAM

Starting April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025, E-PASS customers with 35 or more toll transactions in a single month will automatically receive a 50% toll credit under the 2024 Toll Relief Program enacted by Governor DeSantis on April 1, 2024.

How to Qualify:

Have an individual E-PASS account in good standing
You must drive a 2-axle vehicle
You must accrue 35 or more toll transactions on a single transponder in a month (accounts with more than one transponder cannot combine transactions to total 35)
Each month that you reach 35+ transactions, E-PASS will credit your account on the 15th the following month while the program is in place

You do not need to register for the program. If you meet the above criteria, you will automatically receive the toll credit to your account. Customers who qualify for the 2024 Toll Relief Program will not receive E-PASS Volume Savings Program discounts while the program is in effect through March 31, 2025.

E-PASS Commercial/Business Customers with vehicles with more than two axles will continue to benefit from the E-PASS Volume Savings Program. To learn more and view our frequently asked questions, click here.

What could you do with $100 in tolls? E-PASS is giving you a chance to win $100 in tolls now through May 5, when you sign up for a free E-PASS account.

If you’re already an E-PASS customer, you can be a winner too! Simply enter to win using the online entry form. Know a friend or family member who’s been meaning to get an E-PASS? Now is the time.

But hurry! The sooner you enter, the better your chances of winning! For details, entry form and official rules visit GetEpass.com.

CFX CELEBRATES NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK

CFX joined forces with agencies and organizations nationwide for National Work Zone Awareness Week April 15 – 19, 2024.

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the nationwide start of construction season to encourage safe driving through roadway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones and remember to move over if there is construction, or any vehicle, stopped on the side of the roadway.

To learn more about safe driving in work zones, visit DriveSmartFlorida.org

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