MIAMI – A stretch of Florida's Turnpike was closed in both directions Wednesday morning in Miami.
The turnpike was closed between the Southwest Eighth Street exit and the Dolphin Expressway because of emergency construction.
Florida Department of Transportation workers were removing an overhead sign that spans both directions at Southwest Eighth Street.
"It is currently unsafe to allow vehicles to travel under the sign structure," the FDOT said in a news release.
Traffic was backed up for miles during the closure.
"Complications arose during the operation," the FDOT said. "Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of our motorists, the closure was extended and a second larger crane was brought in to complete the operation."
The turnpike was closed for several hours before reopening shortly before 10:30 a.m.