Crosstown lanes reopen, ease early morning traffic

The early morning commute through the Septima P. Clark Parkway, also known as the Crosstown, is much easier this morning after two inside lanes of the road reopened around 6 a.m. today.

The lanes had been closed for about six months as part of the initial phase of $154 million drainage project in the area.

During phase one of the project new drainage pipes more than twice as large as the old ones were installed and the median of the thoroughfare was landscaped.

Future plans include installing new sidewalks, curbs and gutters along the outside shoulder of the northbound lanes. Street lighting, landscaping and irrigation expect to be completed by November.