Alligator Alley closed due to brush fires

Reported by AP April 23, 2009

WESTON, Fla. -- Alligator Alley, a main link between Florida's east and west coast, remains closed due to a wildfire burning in the Big Cypress National Preserve and drivers must seek alternate routes.

The Florida Highway Patrol shut down the highway in both directions about 8 p.m. Wednesday. The Florida Highway Patrol said the highway was still closed Thursday morning.

Officials said the estimated 1,000-acre fire was burning on the east side of Collier County's State Road 29 and north of Alligator Alley.