Visit Everglades City and the Ten Thousand Islands of Southwest Florida, the Everglades

ALLIGATOR ALLEY

by Reverend Dr Bob N. Wallace
Everglades Community Church

Alligator Alley is the section of Interstate 75 (I-75) that runs between Naples and Fort Lauderdale for ap-proximately 80 miles (129 kilometers). It got its name due to the large number of alligators that inhabit the area surrounding the highway. When the road was first constructed, and when I first drove over it years ago, it was just a two-lane highway cutting through the heart of the Everglades. I could see alligators along the roadside and in the nearby waters. The name “Alligator Alley” was initially a nickname that became widely accepted and is now the common name for that stretch of Interstate 75 between Naples and Fort Lauderdale. It shows the unique and wild environment of the Everglades with exceptional views of the natural landscape.

The idea for a road connecting Naples and Fort Lauderdale through the Everglades was proposed in the early 20th century; however, it wasn’t until the 1960s that construction began. It was initially known as State Road 84. Later, it was the Everglades Parkway.

Alligator Alley was completed in 1968 as a two-lane toll road designed to provide a direct route across the southern part of Florida, cutting through the vast and often treacherous Everglades. In the 1980s, the road was up-graded to meet interstate standards. That involved expanding the road to four lanes, with two lanes in each direc-tion, and adding a grassy median for safety. The upgraded road was merged into the Interstate Highway System as part of Interstate 75 (I-75) a major north-south highway in the United States. I-75 starts at an interchange with Florida State Road 826 (Palmetto Expressway) and SR 924 (Gratigny Parkway) on the Hialeah-Miami Lakes border in suburban Miami and ends at Sault Ste, Marie, Michigan, at the Canadian border, a distance of 1,786.47 miles, making it the second-longest Interstate Highway after I-95, and the seventh longest overall.

Alligator Alley

Over the years, several safety improvements have been made, including the installation of fences to pre-vent wildlife from entering the roadway. And the addition of rest areas and recreational facilities. Alligator Alley remains a toll road, with fees collected to maintain the highway and its facilities. And the road has played a crucial role in the economic development of Southwest Florida, making a vital link for commerce and tourism between the two coasts. Alligator Alley is not just a road. It’s a cultural icon often featured in popular media and known for its unique journey through the heart of the Everglades. Alligator Alley stands as a testament to engineering courage and the ongoing efforts to balance infrastructure development with environmental conservation.

Alligator Alley is not just a road; it’s a journey through one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. It has played a crucial role in the preservation and protection of the Everglades by providing a controlled passage through this fragile environment. Alligator Alley gives a remarkable drive through the heart of the Everglades, with several interesting stops and activities along the way. Amazing views of the Everglades show a vast and unique ecosystem: sawgrass marshes, cypress swamps, and a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and other native species who all are at home there. And if you’re driving in the late afternoon, you might catch a beau-tiful sunset out over the sprawling wetlands.

There are rest areas along Alligator Alley where you can take a break, use the restroom, and stretch your legs. The main rest area on Alligator Alley is located at Mile Marker 63. This rest area has restrooms, picnic tables, vending machines, and parking for both cars and trucks. It’s a convenient stop to take a break, stretch your legs, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the Everglades. The Miccosukee Service Plaza at Mile Marker 35 is another stop. It provides services such as food, gas, and restrooms.

But be mindful of wildlife crossing the road, especially if you are driving at night. The road is fenced to prevent animals from entering. But it’s always a good idea to stay alert! The road is well-maintained and gives a smooth driving experience. It’s straight, with minimal traffic congestion, making it an enjoyable drive. The speed limit is 70 mph, and well patrolled by the Florida Highway Parol. So, it’s important to obey posted signs and drive safely.

Overall, the drive on Alligator Alley is not just a means of getting quickly from Naples to Fort Lauderdale. It’s an opportunity to mix the beautiful landscape of the Everglades with a memorable journey that combines natural beauty with a sense of adventure.

But remember! If you’re not driving an EV, fill up your gas tank before you cross the Alley. The only gas station is at the Miccosukee Service Plaza!

2025-01-28T16:30:32-05:00January 27, 2025|History|

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