Debate over new river crossing in Fort Lauderdale could be settled soon
By Carlton Gillespie
January 22, 2026 at 6:00 AM EST
The City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County have been at odds over whether a future commuter rail line should cross the New river by bridge or by tunnel.
The county has long touted a bridge as more cost effective, but Fort Lauderdale supports a tunnel.
City leaders like commissioner Ben Sorensen believe the bridge would mar the skyline, increase noise and raise safety issues.
“ That would add 120 trains crossing Broward Boulevard at grade every day. Not acceptable from a public safety standpoint, from a transportation standpoint," he said.
Sorensen says that he’s gotten the go-ahead from the county to present a price proposal that caps the county’s investment at $250 million dollars. If he’s successful, Fort Lauderdale will have its tunnel.
The newest proposal is expected in the coming weeks.
READ MORE: Fort Lauderdale rescinds bridge resolution, tunnel fight not dead
This is a News In Brief report. Visit WLRN News for in-depth reporting from South Florida and Florida news.
The county has long touted a bridge as more cost effective, but Fort Lauderdale supports a tunnel.
City leaders like commissioner Ben Sorensen believe the bridge would mar the skyline, increase noise and raise safety issues.
“ That would add 120 trains crossing Broward Boulevard at grade every day. Not acceptable from a public safety standpoint, from a transportation standpoint," he said.
Sorensen says that he’s gotten the go-ahead from the county to present a price proposal that caps the county’s investment at $250 million dollars. If he’s successful, Fort Lauderdale will have its tunnel.
The newest proposal is expected in the coming weeks.
READ MORE: Fort Lauderdale rescinds bridge resolution, tunnel fight not dead
This is a News In Brief report. Visit WLRN News for in-depth reporting from South Florida and Florida news.