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Debate over new river crossing in Fort Lauderdale could be settled soon

A yacht passes the current New River Crossing bridge which is in the up-position.
Gerard Albert III
/
WLRN News
A yacht passes the current New River Crossing bridge which is in the up-position.

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.

Carlton Gillespie is WLRN's Broward County Bureau Reporter.
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