Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Engineer; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 0; Flight Crew Total 17000; Flight Crew Type 7100
Other Unwanted Situation
General None Reported / Taken
Airport
The elevated portion of runway 10R/28L and taxiway 'J' east of 'J-8' ranges from approximately 35ft to 55ft above the surrounding grade level. In the event of a passenger evacuation; (especially from a widebody aircraft); in the above areas; there are few barriers or railings that would prevent passengers from falling or being pushed over the edge of the high MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) walls. The elevation of these walls go up to as high as a five story building. Of special concern is that portion of taxiway 'J' which spans a railroad line and a 6 lane highway via a taxiway bridge. Any widebody aircraft stopped on this bridge would be incapable of safely conducting a passenger evacuation due to the closeness of the edges of the bridge in relation to the bottom of the deployed passenger escape slides.  Additionally; FLL has only two stairways that would permit egressing passengers to escape from the vicinity of a burning aircraft; stopped on the elevated portion of the runway/taxiway; down to ground level.
A retired air carrier Captain reported concern about the lack of safe area available for passengers and crews following an emergency evacuation conducted on the artificially elevated east end of Runway 10R/28L at FLL.