Fort Myers Traffic Alert: Key Road Closures and Innovations Ahead!

Fort Myers Beach, Florida, USA - As traffic woes continue to plague many communities in Fort Myers, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is taking steps to enhance the flow and safety of local roadways. The latest developments include the nearing completion of the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Colonial Boulevard and I-75, which is expected to alleviate congestion significantly.

Aerial photographs taken on February 25, 2025, showcase the progress at this innovative interchange design. According to the News-Press, DDIs are celebrated for their operational advantages, including fewer severe crashes and reduced delays compared to traditional intersections. This makes them particularly useful at high-traffic locales like Fort Myers, where bustling daily commutes are the norm.

Roundabout Construction and Traffic Changes

In conjunction with the DDI, construction on the Buckingham and Gunnery roads roundabout is entering its second phase this June, with work scheduled to commence on the 16th. This project, managed by the Lee County Department of Transportation, involves a $4.8 million contract awarded to V & H Construction, Inc., supported by nearly $4.6 million in federal funding.

As work progresses, Buckingham Road will be temporarily closed between Gunnery Road and Sunset Road. Traffic changes and detours will be implemented, impacting routine travel for many residents. Southbound traffic on Buckingham Road will reroute to Gunnery Road, followed by a right turn at Sunset Road. Northbound travelers should turn right onto Sunset Road and then left onto Gunnery Road. Expect some sidewalks to remain closed through this construction phase, which is slated during weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with occasional night and weekend work.

Community Involvement and Safety Measures

The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is actively engaging the community, with a public hearing set for June 20, 2025, at 9 a.m. This meeting will cover various topics, including the adoption of the FY 2025/2026 to FY 2029/2030 Transportation Improvement Program and the updated project priority list. Residents can expect to hear presentations on other significant projects such as the I-75 widening effort and the Daniels Parkway Rest Area expansion feasibility study.

Moreover, the FDOT has focused on improving safety measures along a 1-mile stretch on Fort Myers Beach, expected to finish early in 2026. New features like chicanes, mid-block crosswalks, and enhanced lighting are part of the plan, aimed at reducing traffic incidents, particularly for vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists.

Raise Awareness for Teen Driver Safety

As we enter the summer months, the FDOT also reminds parents and students about the „100 Deadly Days of Summer.“ Distracted driving remains a severe safety concern, especially among teen drivers. It’s imperative that families take a moment to discuss safe driving habits, ensuring that everyone’s summer fun does not come at the expense of safety.

The DDI design, first recognized for its benefits in Springfield back in 2009, allows left-turning vehicles to merge onto highways without needing a dedicated signal, all while reducing potential conflict points significantly. Not only does this make for a smoother drive, but it also enhances overall safety measures on bustling roadways, giving Florida residents something to look forward to amidst the delays of everyday travel.

As construction continues and communities engage in local planning, it’s clear that improvements are on the horizon. For those navigating the streets of Fort Myers, a brighter and smoother journey awaits.