Fort Myers Beach bike project makes riding safer

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, September 25, 2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Four fitness stations mysteriously popped up along McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers recently. (photo: Dan Moser)

A number of projects and initiatives are underway to make Lee County more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

The complete reworking of Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach is coming along, although those who must traverse it on a regular basis are likely thinking it’s happening much too slowly.

I recently had an opportunity to ride my bike from the Park & Ride lot on Little Carlos Island just across the bridge to Bowditch Park south through the just completed Estero Boulevard segment from Lovers Lane down to Strandview Avenue.

It was a pleasant ride throughout, thanks to bike lanes on the town’s well-established section north of Times Square and on the newest segment south of Red Coconut/Lovers Lane.

Sharrows painted on the roadway reminding drivers that bikes would be using any part of the travel lane where there is no room for bike lanes from the foot of the bridge to Red Coconut/Lovers Lane made riding there comfortable as well. In that segment the side paths are nine feet wide so those on bikes who don’t want to ride in the road can opt for that option, although I found road riding to be safe and stress-free.

Dan Moser is a long-time bicycle/pedestrian
advocate and traffic safety professional
who cycles, runs and walks regularly for
transportation, recreation and  fitness.
Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com
and 239-334-6417.

I was especially impressed with the transition design between side path and bike lane where that occurs at Red Coconut/Lovers Lane: a parallel curb ramp allows southbound cyclists to seamlessly get off the side path when the bike lane begins or jump onto the side path where the bike lane ends for those traveling north. One problem, however, persists: some side path bike riders do not understand that they must warn pedestrians and others on bikes when passing, operate at slow speed and must behave in a way that doesn’t put others at risk. As well, e-bikes are not allowed to travel under electric power on side paths but some do, and at inappropriately fast speeds.

As for any kind of bike, except for children or those who aren’t physically capable of operating on the road, the combination of sharrows and a middle turn lane that allows motorists to easily pass makes road riding in the segment with no bike lanes safe and more efficient than the sidepath.

What seemed to be a double-super-secret project that appeared earlier this year but to no announcements or even a mention on the city’s website (at least until after an exhaustive search that finally resulted in finding one city staffer who knew about this project’s background), the “Steel Challenge Course,” a multi-station outdoor fitness course, has popped-up along McGregor Boulevard between the Alliance for the Arts and a mile north of Fort Myers Country Club.

Unlike those in Cape Coral along North Del Prado Boulevard and others found in a few of our parks, this one has only four stations along this two-mile stretch of McGregor (three of the four are on either end), meaning it has far fewer stations and they are located much farther apart than what would seem to be more appropriate.

Besides the city’s failure to let its residents and visitors know it even exists, I’m thinking the tax money used for a project like this, especially in this particular part of town, makes little sense (it’s not like it’s an underserved area in any way other than for cyclists who would rather use the road than sidewalk). Why not instead have used the funds to install public bike repair and air pump stations where they’d be most utilized, or for fixing sidewalks that are in disrepair and building them where they are sorely needed? Oh, well, at least it was well-intentioned.

Although not infrastructure projects but rather vital planning tools, bicycle/pedestrian plans (or plan updates) for a number of our municipalities were either recently completed or are in the works. Along with the existing overall Lee County Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan and Lee County Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (also soon to be updated) these local government plans combine to create a complete overview of the needs, feasibility, and costs for creating a much needed improved environment for non-motorists. Also, our current third edition bike map that was created in 2014 is long overdue for updating to a fourth edition, so I’m hoping that will be coming soon. Check-in with Lee MPO (www.leempo.com) for details.

To learn about this topic and more, visit bikewalklee.blogspot.com and www.streetsaliveswfl.org.¦



For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

Reporting a bike/ped facilities operations problem and getting results: The Fiddlesticks Blvd. story

Last year, BikeWalkLee penned several blog posts about how to report a bike/ped facilities or operations problem and get results. In those blogs we provided information about who to contact to report such a problem and urged you to report problems you see while you're out walking or biking. We suggested that you to track the resolution of the problem, thank the agency staff who addressed the problem and share your stories with the BWL network, including before and after photos, so that we could demonstrate that reporting problems does get action. Today's blog is the story of one success story from the Fiddlesticks Rd. community.

By Ben and Kelly Bishop
 (Residents of the Legends and long-time advocates for safe biking and walking on Fiddlesticks Blvd.)
 
 The long-awaited Fiddlesticks Blvd. shared use path opened in December 2016, with great fanfare
(See BWL Column: Patience pays off for Fiddlesticks Blvd. community), and the road itself was repaved in the Spring of 2017.  When we returned to Lee County in October (after Hurricane Irma), we discovered that the road edge had degraded and there was a 6 inch drop that could damage a car wheel or cause a bike/car crash.  We took photos of the problem and emailed them to the LeeDOT RFA (request for action) team.  We got an immediate response from the team that they would look into it.  Within 3 weeks, the LeeDOT maintenance crew had come out and fixed the problem.

Below are the before and after photos:

Before

After

 

 

 

Thanks to the LeeDOT RFA team for quickly fixing a safety problem for cars, bikes, and walkers!

BWL Note:
So next time you see a problem when you're out walking or biking, take the time to report it to the RFA team.  Take a few pictures of the problem, make notes on the approximate location (e.g., X feet east of Oakwilde Street), and then file a report through LeeDOT's RFA system. You can either fill out a form online, email or call (239-533-9400). 

 Not only is your walk or ride likely to be safer and more enjoyable next time, the fix will benefit everyone who uses these facilities in Lee County. We, the thousands of users of the bike/ped facilities throughout the county, can be the eyes and ears for the staff on a daily basis. And when you get that email from RFA telling you that the problem is fixed, don't forget to send them a thank you email....and share it with us (info@BikeWalkLee.org) so we can share it with the BikeWalkLee network.
Below is the key contact information that you should keep handy:

Form online: https://www.leegov.com/dot/requestforaction
Email: RFA@leegov.com
Call: (239)533-9400
The LeeDOT RFA team does a terrific job of responding to the reports in a timely manner, not only sending you an email response but actually going onsite to fix the problem and reporting back to you when it's done.

Thanks for being an engaged user...and a big thanks to the RFA team that quickly responds to the reports.

p.s. put the RFA contact info in your I-Phone NOW so you have it when you need it.
Click here for a one-pager with all who/what/when/how to report (keep this handy)

BikeWalkLee Related Blog Posts:

BWL blog 4/16/16: http://bikewalklee.blogspot.com/2016/04/how-to-report-bikeped-facilities-or.html

BWL blog 4/28/16: BikeWalkLee'sColumn in News-Press "Go Coastal" section: 4/28/16

BWL blog 7/26/16: Reporting a problem with a roadway and getting results: The story of one pothole and FDOT

Homestead Road Groundbreaking Ceremony March 30

The Lee County Department of Transportation (LC DOT) and their contractor, Stevens and Layton, Inc., will begin construction at the end of March to widen Homestead Road to four lanes.

A Groundbreaking Ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 30, 10:00 a.m. at 55 Homestead Road South.

Homestead road will be expanded to a four-lane divided highway starting north of Alabama Road and ending around the curve just south of Sunrise Boulevard near the Moose Lodge, according to consultant Kris Cella of consulting firm Cella, Molnar & Associates.

Four-foot on-road bicycle lanes are included in the widening. A six-foot sidewalk will be constructed on both sides of the roadway.

image: homesteadroadwidening.com

The total Homestead Road project budget is $14.4 million, with $12.8 million coming from Lee County and $1.6 million coming from utility provider FGUA for utility construction.

According to Vince Miller of Lee County DOT, construction should be completed in 2019.

The Homestead road project will take approximately two and a half years (30 months) of construction time, according to Miller.



http://lehighacresgazette.info/news/homestead-road-widening-project-to-begin-march-20-and-last-30-months/

http://homesteadroadwidening.com/

Moser Column: Wayfinding is a vital component of our bike/pedestrian network

Dan's column reminds us of why wayfinding (signs and maps) is important to a successful bike/ped network, helpful to new residents and visitors, and a basic requirement for becoming a bicycle-friendly community (BFC).  Cape Coral and Sanibel (our two BFCs) are leading the way...now we need the other communities in Lee County to step up to the plate, esp. given the federal TIGER grant that was based on connecting our existing loops.

Florida Weekly, Outdoors Section, 2/10/16 

Cape Coral is sometimes known as a “can’t get there from here” place for many, including bicyclists, runners and walkers who are unfamiliar with the city’s extensive canal network. Even though there exists quite an extensive array of pathways, bike lanes and lightly trafficked neighborhood roads that allow cyclists and pedestrians safe passage around much of the city, until recently getting from here to there was often frustrating because of dead-ends created by canals that also serve as effective barriers by default. But thanks to ambitious community volunteers, cooperative city staff and elected officials, and astute business people who seized an opportunity, more than 90 miles of non-motorized routes were signed and marked to make it possible to know where one was and where one was heading.

As motorists we expect — and almost always get — adequate informational and directional markings and signage. In fact, it’s one of the basics of transportation planning and traffic management. So why is that generally not the case for us when we’re non-motorists, at least here in Southwest Florida? Cape Coral and Sanibel are proud exceptions to this problem. Why is it that when we’re on bike and foot we’re expected to speculate on our whereabouts and how to get where we’re going, having to use signs meant for motorists — which frequently don’t provide enough useful/visible information — to find our way? From my perspective, the answer is clearly a matter of priorities among transportation decision makers who are either unconcerned with anything except moving cars or are ignorant of the need. In this day and age it’s hard to believe anyone who’s in such a position could be ignorant of the need.

Signs like this are very helpful, especially for visitors and new residents.

At any time the powers-that-be can put forth the resources to do what Cape Coral, Sanibel and many other communities throughout Florida and the U.S. have done by finally adding wayfinding — easy-to-read signs — to our growing bike/ped network. For one thing, it’s a basic requirement for becoming a bike-friendly community, if that even matters to those who can make a difference. 

Wayfinding is also critical for visitors and new or part-time residents, so it makes sense from a tourism and economic development perspective to help folks get to their destinations. And having the confidence to make a trip by bike or foot safely and efficiently will get cars off the road, which equates to reducing the need to continually spend a staggering amount of tax dollars on road capacity projects, something we continue to do in our unattainable attempt to build our way out of congestion.

A partial wayfinding attempt was made a few years ago when two popular bike routes were designated as such and then heavily promoted. Signs were placed on the 20-plus-miles mile Tour de Park route and less extensive University Loop. Unfortunately the work was left incomplete and didn’t include any other part of our network. But because of requirements written into the significant TIGER grant we were recently awarded, that job could and should be completed and eventually expanded to include our entire network. Of course, getting it done is predicated upon cooperation from each of the various jurisdictions, from Lee County to FDOT to our municipalities. 

At least one is questioning the value of providing this very basic and necessary service for its many residents and visitors, even though the cost of doing so would be a drop in the bucket when compared to what is routinely spent on other transportation projects. Ask your elected representatives and transportation officials what their positions are on this matter — you may be surprised about what you learn. In the meantime, efforts to make this happen will continue in the hope that those objecting will see the light or can be worked around. To learn more and stay abreast of progress and continued resistance, visit BikeWalkLee’s blog at bikewalklee.blogspot.com.

Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and pathways.

Upcoming events

Running/walking:

>> Rotary’s Run for the Rose Garden 5K, Saturday, Feb. 13, Rotary Park, Cape Coral, 3dracinginc.com

>> Edsion Fest 5K, Saturday, Feb. 20, downtown Fort Myers, ftmyerstrackclub.com

>> Hooters Half-Marathon, Sunday, March 6, Fort Myers, hootershalfmarathon.com

Cycling and other events:

>> SWFL Critical Mass, Friday, March 4, downtown Fort Myers, meetup.com/Biking-SWFL

>> Ride for Fallen Heroes, Sunday, March 6, Estero Trek, brotherhoodride.com

>> 18th annual Royal Palm Classic, Sunday, March 13, Fort Myers Brewery, Gateway, caloosariders.org

— Dan Moser is a long- time bicycle/ pedestrian advocate and safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com or 334- 6417.

Moser Column: Road and pathway hazards: They have to know to take action

Those out riding, walking, and running are the best observers and reporters of hazards, so be sure to report those hazards to government agencies responsible for managing our transportation network.  Dan's column provides the list of contacts, so save this column, plug these numbers into your smart phone, and become a reporter.  Thanks to all the government maintenance contacts who are very responsive to these citizen reports. Working together we can make our roads and pathways safer for all users.

Florida Weekly "Outdoors" Section: 4/15/15

An uneven segment of concrete sidewalk creating a trip hazard. A lateral rut in the roadway pavement or storm drain grate creating a bike wheel grabber that can send a rider and one’s bike to the ground unexpectedly. Bougainvillea branches overhanging a pathway that snag and cut anyone who’s unaware of the damage it can do as they pass by it. Glass and other debris in the paved shoulder or bike lane — or, most commonly, on all of our bridges — causing blowouts and flats for bicyclists.

These are but a few examples that anyone who runs, walks or rides a bike, whether occasionally or routinely, inevitably encounters, many of which can lead to a fall or crash. And although the various departments managing our public or private roads try to keep the environment safe for all users, the most neglected aspect of our transportation network tends to be the spaces not intended for motor vehicles, yet which the most vulnerable use, perhaps because they go unreported.

Case in point: On a recent run in a master-planned community I found many stretches of the paved pathways that were fraught with hazards, especially for those on foot with compromised mobility or anyone using wheeled vehicles such as bikes, strollers and wheelchairs. The culprit is clearly tree roots pushing up the asphalt path. As I ran behind a mom on a bike with her child in tow behind her I noticed she had to keep checking to see if the trailer had tipped due to the poor pavement condition. Although the community’s roads are in pretty good condition it appears the sidepaths had not been repaired or resurfaced since being constructed, creating risk of injury for users and liability for the jurisdiction. A subsequent call to the responsible agency resulted in learning that work to repair the paths will soon begin.

While most of our rights of way are public, some, like the example I just cited, are private but with full public access. Each right-of-way is managed by a specific entity, but certain roads have multiple jurisdictions responsible for segments of the same corridor, making it somewhat confusing when trying to determine which entity to contact with a complaint or to report a problem. A common example of this is any road that intersects an interstate: regardless of whose ROW it is leading to and from the interchange area the interchange segment comes under the jurisdiction of Florida Department of Transportation.

For example, Daniels Parkway is a county road but the interchange segment of it is FDOT’s. Fortunately, when you’re not sure whose road or sidepath it is, the agency you initially contact will generally refer you to the correct jurisdiction or pass along the complaint or request if you guessed wrong. Even when the request is bigger than maintenance or repair (filling short sidewalk gaps or reporting obvious ADA violations, for example), the folks fielding calls or online inquiries are helpful in getting you to those actually responsible for addressing the problem. Please be sure to acknowledge those who take care of your complaint or request. Also, don’t hesitate to move it up the ladder if it isn’t resolved.

For example, a complaint that escalated to a much higher level was at first thought to be related only to maintenance of traffic during a road project but has turned out to be a serious design flaw. Regular users of the bike lanes on Treeline Avenue near the new terminal access road project lodged complaints during construction that they were being put at risk. FDOT intervened with the contractor to improve safety for cyclists in the construction zone, but even with their efforts it seemed the best bet was to avoid the area until work was complete. Unfortunately, the final configuration has also generated numerous complaints, something FDOT and Lee DOT (and, hopefully, the Lee County Port Authority) are working to resolve. All this effort has come about thanks to those who filed complaints and others who are following-up, both from within and outside the responsible jurisdictions.

You can learn more about this and many other important community matters at bikewalklee.blogspot.com.

Here’s a list of contacts:

•  LeeDOT Request for Action, 533-9400 or leegov.com/gov/dept/dot/rfa/Pages/form.aspx

• City of Fort Myers Public Works, 321-8100 or cityftmyers.com/761/Support-Center 
•  
• City of Cape Coral Action Center, 574-0425 or etrakit.capecoral.net/etrakit3/CRM/issue.aspx

•  City of Bonita Springs, 949-6262 or cityofbonitasprings.org/for-residents/report-a-problem

• City of Sanibel, 472-1179 or email Keith.Williams@mysanibel.com 
•  
•  Town of Fort Myers Beach, 765-0202 or fortmyersbeachfl.gov/index.aspx?NID=205

• FDOT, 985-7800 or swflroads.com

Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and pathways.

Upcoming Events
Running/Walking:

• Viking 5K Paint Run, Saturday, April 18, Bishop Verot High School, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)

• Fast & Furriest 5K & 1-Mile, Saturday, April 18, Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers (3dracinginc.com)
•  
•  Dollars for Scholars 5K, Saturday, April 25, Rotary Park, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
•  
•  Run for Kayla 5K, Saturday, May 2, Patriot School, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
•  
• Turtle Trot 5K, Saturday, May 9, Lovers Key Park, Fort Myers Beach (ftmyerstrackclub.com)

Cycling and other events:

• Ride for Literacy, Saturday, April 18, Immokalee (caloosariders.org)

— Dan Moser is a long- time bicycle/ pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com and 334- 6417.

Progress on bicycle detection (at intersection turn lanes) issues

Thanks to LeeDOT staff for efforts to improve bicycle detection at intersection turn lanes.  We also appreciate the efforts by BPAC and BPCC to focus attention on these safety issues.
 
Over the past year, both the MPO's Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinating Committee (BPCC) and the County's Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) have asked the county to address the problem of inconsistency in pedestrian signals through the county, and the problem of detecting cyclists trying to turn at various intersections.

In February, we reported on BPAC's efforts (click here to read the 2/17 blog post).  At the May 29th BPCC meeting, Awaldo Gonzalez of Lee County Traffic Division gave an update.  LeeDOT staff, along with a BPAC team, have been testing a list of seven roads and intersections.

LCDOT has recently installed ALDIS cameras at some signalized intersections in the County which provide a 360º view of the area around a traffic light, and allows vehicle video detection including bicyclists for traffic signal control and data. They have a plan to install more ALDIS traffic camera and plan to replace existing loop detectors with the cameras during road resurfacing/reconstruction as well as installing them during the ongoing ATMS project.

The committee thanked LeeDOT for there progress is addressing this long-standing safety concern of cyclists.  If you are out there cycling and find detection problems at a certain intersection, please contact Awaldo Gonzalez  or call 239-271-6698.

The committee also requested that LeeDOT develop a policy related to determining when pedestrian signals require being “called” vs going to “walk” cycle by default.

Cape Coral Bridge Reconstruction and Instructions for Cyclists

Lee County Department of Transportation 5/21/12

                                                                   PRESS RELEASE

Cape Coral Bridge Toll Plaza Reconstruction

Westbound Bicyclists Must Use the Far Right Lane (Northern Most Lane)

Bicyclists Must Use McGregor Boulevard Ramp to Toll Plaza

LEE COUNTY, FL (May 18, 2012) – Travel patterns are shifted for westbound lanes.  All westbound bicyclists must exit College Parkway and use the McGregor Boulevard ramp to share the LeeWay/SunPass lane provided on the far right (north) side of the toll plaza adjacent to the administration building in lane 1.  This is for the safety of bicyclists and motorists travelling westbound through the toll plaza.

For updates on all lanes closures, traffic shifts and construction progress, please visit the project website at www.LeeBridgeConstruction.com.

Motorists are advised to USE CAUTION driving through the toll plaza, and to follow work zone signage and message boards. 

Lee County commissioners move forward on plans for Del Prado traffic signal

Good news!  After two years of urging by Ryan Santos' mom, Cape Coral City Council and Cape citizens, BikeWalkLee and others to make pedestrian safety improvements, the County has finally agreed to install a traffic light at this dangerous intersection by Burton Park, used by many children.

News-Press 5/16/12

Lee County commissioners Tuesday unanimously agreed to move forward with plans to install a traffic signal at Del Prado Boulevard and Northeast 3rd Terrace.

The decision comes more than two years after 13-year-old Ryan Santos was struck by a car and killed on his way to Del Prado Park.

While a traffic signal on the street isn’t called for by the Federal Highway Administration, the nearby park makes it a unique situation, according to county officials.

RaceTrac, which has a gas station and store at that intersection, has offered to pay an estimated $300,000 to install the signal.

 See Fox-4 story for video and more details.

See Cape Coral Breeze story.

See BikeWalkLee's 5/11/12 letter to County Commissioners.

Palm Beach Planning Panel Recommends Further Analysis on Ortiz Avenue

Ortiz Avenue is a road that runs north/south between SR 80 and SR 82 approximately one mile west of I-75 and is identified as part of the County's Primary Bike/Ped Network in the MPO Bike/Ped Master Plan.  Ortiz is planned to be widened from a two lane road to a four lane with a median and turns lanes and the speed raised to 45 MPH.  This decision was, in part, based on modeling that that showed an increase in automobile trips. 

In response to this plan, the Palm Beach Planning Panel, at its March 27th meeting, asked the Lee County MPO to conduct further analysis on the impact of transit pedestrian trips on the 2035 model estimates and to analyze the potential cost savings or capacity tradeoffs associated with reducing Ortiz Avenue North of Luckett Road to 2 Lanes with a turn lane.

There are several reasons that further analysis is warranted.

First, complete streets design is about context. 

Analysis on Ortiz Avenue shows that the section north of Luckett Road to SR 80 is a different road than south of Luckett (to State Road 82).  This northern section of the road is an integral part of a community.  Currently, it is a two lane road with a small sidewalk on one side of the road.  This sidewalk hosts a large number of walking and bicycle trips.  In a study conducted by Florida Gulf Coast University students, this section had the second-highest amount of bike/ped trips in the county.  Trip counts affirm this, as the northern section has approximately 7,700 trips less per day than the southern section.   In addition, the 2000 census showed that this neighborhood has the highest transit and pedestrian trips to work in the county.  This was not considered in previous models and would likely have a big impact on the estimated trips on the road.  Increasing the capacity of this road without further analysis ignores the different contexts of the road and the impact of other modes of transportation.

Road design has an impact on community livability, economics, and health.

Because the northern section of Ortiz is part of a community, its design impacts community livability, economics, and health.  Roads that are designed to be slower with ample biking and walking opportunities increase business opportunities, promote livability in neighboring residential areas, and are safer.  Wider faster roads have a negative effect on economic opportunities, livability, and safety.  Further, it is cheaper to build ‘right-sized’ roads both in short-term construction costs and long term maintenance.  The county and the community plan are working hard to increase the livability and viability of the surrounding community and should maintain that commitment through its road design. 

Some of the arguments to increase the capacity of the road are that increased relievers to I-75 are needed if there are accidents or to keep local trips off of the interstate.  While this may be a goal of travelers outside of Lee County, it does nothing to enhance livability for Lee County residents.  It also assumes that the only value of a properly designed road is to move cars fast.  If Ortiz is properly designed, all county residents will enjoy the economic impacts of higher property values, increased opportunities for walkability, and access to a unique historic area of the county. 

By taking context into account and conducting further analysis on Ortiz demonstrates that Lee County is serious about its commitment to complete streets and its economic and livability outcomes.

Report By Margaret Banyan

Invite to LeeDOT public info workshop 4/12 on Roundabout Proposal for Lehigh's Beth Stacey Blvd/Business Way

Public Information Workshop

Beth Stacey Boulevard/Business Way

Roundabout Proposal

 

Public Information Meeting

“OPEN HOUSE”

4:30 - 6 p.m.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Microtel Inn and Suites

1320 Business Way

Lehigh Acres, Florida

Lee County Department of Transportation (LC DOT) is holding a public information workshop for a concept to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Beth Stacey Boulevard and Business Way 4:30-6 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, at the Microtel Inn & Suites.  Come anytime between 4:30-6 p.m. to view conceptual plans to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Beth Stacey Boulevard and Business Way. Information about roundabouts in general will also be on display. Lee County representatives will be available to answer questions and take comments about the project. 

The Lee County Department of Transportation (LC DOT) is designing a roundabout to improve the intersection of Beth Stacey Boulevard and Business Way. A roundabout is a type of circular intersection where motorists travel in one direction around a central island. The roundabout would be very similar to the one recently constructed at Sunshine Boulevard and 23rd Street West.  LC DOT’s engineering consultant obtained traffic volume counts and reviewed crash data for the intersection. There is high left-turn volume from the west and high right-turn volume from the south. Roundabouts work well at this type of intersection, especially with single lane approaches. Funding is currently available to construct this project.