Heavy traffic as 18-Mile Stretch reopens after brush fire closure; Card Sound Road shut down

Traffic is slowly moving in both directions Tuesday evening on U.S. 1’s 18-Mile Stretch after a massive brush fire forced authorities to shut down the only highway linking the Florida Keys to the mainland for hours.

While U.S. 1 had partially reopened, Card Sound Road remained closed and major delays persisted.

Drivers stuck for hours in massive backup

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that both northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 1 are now open but moving slowly.

Earlier Tuesday, police shut down both major roadways as firefighters worked to contain the fast-moving blaze.

Many travelers, some from across the country and even the world, were caught in gridlock for hours.

“We just see this huge cloud of smoke start coming over the bridge and the cops started pulling up, shutting down the road. People were turning around, cars piling up,” said Holden Willett, a visitor from Iowa.

Marie, visiting from Pennsylvania, added, “I’m just concerned for everyone.”

Traffic remained backed up for miles as vacationers hoping to reach the Keys were forced to wait, including Charles Lim, who traveled from South Korea.

“I was so happy to see the ocean, but ohhh, I’m stuck!” Lim said. “I’m so sorry about that because I need to go back to my country tomorrow.”

By 8:30 p.m., authorities began reopening U.S. 1.

Firefighting efforts continue

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service continue working to contain the 2,000-acre brush fire near the 40800 block of Card Sound Road.

More than 15 MDFR units, along with Air Rescue helicopters, were battling the flames, but weather conditions were making containment difficult.

Authorities warned that traffic disruptions will likely continue well into the night.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and take precautions against smoke exposure by keeping windows closed and air conditioning on recirculate.

Officials said that while no injuries have been reported, the fire has damaged power lines and communication towers.

Drivers should still expect heavy delays in and out of the Keys as emergency crews work to fully contain the fire.