MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – Significant progress has been made in controlling the brush fire in Miami-Dade County, allowing authorities to begin slowly reopening all lanes of the 18-Mile Stretch of U.S. 1. However, Card Sound Road remains closed in both directions.
After initially opening northbound traffic, authorities have now begun to allow traffic in both directions on the 18-Mile Stretch. Motorists are advised to expect significant traffic disruptions throughout the evening as weather conditions continue to impact the fire and residual congestion clears.
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Motorists are strongly advised to avoid traveling on the 18-Mile Stretch at this time if possible. Those who must travel on the 18-Mile Stretch are urged to proceed with extreme caution and be prepared for delays.
Card Sound Road remains completely closed. Firefighters and law enforcement personnel are continuing to work diligently to contain the fire and ensure the safety of the public in that area.
Officials warn that traffic disruptions in and out of the Florida Keys are expected to persist well into the evening. Motorists are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring official channels for updates.
PREVIOUS REPORT: Relief is coming for some motorists stranded by a brush fire in Miami-Dade County, as northbound traffic on the 18-Mile Stretch of U.S. 1 is beginning to slowly reopen.
However, southbound traffic on the 18-Mile Stretch and all traffic on Card Sound Road remain closed as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.
Authorities have emphasized that the northbound reopening is partial and slow-moving. Motorists are advised to expect significant traffic disruptions throughout the evening as weather conditions continue to impact the fire.
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Southbound traffic on the 18-Mile Stretch and all traffic on Card Sound Road remain completely closed. Firefighters and law enforcement personnel are working diligently to contain the fire and ensure the safety of the public.
PREVIOUS REPORT: A significant brush fire in Miami-Dade County has forced the complete closure of all vehicle entry and exit points to the Florida Keys. Authorities have blocked traffic on both the 18-mile Stretch of U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road in upper Key Largo, effectively cutting off land access to the popular tourist destination.
The closure, implemented by fire and law enforcement officials in Miami-Dade County with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol, comes as crews battle the spreading wildfire.
The exact location and extent of the fire are still being assessed, but its proximity to the main arteries leading to the Keys prompted the immediate shutdown as a precautionary measure.
Officials are urging the public to stay informed by downloading the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. By enabling push notifications, users will receive real-time traffic updates.
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