Residents are invited to participate in a public meeting tonight to discuss the much-anticipated redesign of the Cape Coral Bridge. The project aims to improve traffic flow and pedestrian access while addressing congestion between Cape Coral Parkway and College Parkway.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Lee County are presenting their findings from the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study — a required step before finalizing design and construction.
The public is invited to Florida Southwestern State College’s Lee Campus in Fort Myers from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to hear the Florida DEP’s preferred alternative.
One of the main issues under consideration is the placement of a U-turn to enhance access to riverfront communities and improve connections to the Caloosa Yacht and Racquet Club. Two options are on the table.
Option 1 proposes constructing a U-turn extending into the Caloosahatchee River, which could directly impact residents with docks in nearby Magnolia Pointe. Option 2 would involve reconstructing the toll plaza beneath the bridge and raising the road, offering a more comprehensive approach but requiring additional construction work.
Both options come with a hefty price tag, estimated at over $300 million, and will take approximately two years to complete.
**Community Input and Timeline**
The meeting tonight offers an opportunity for residents to review project designs, provide feedback, and hear from DEP officials about the preferred design alternatives. An open house will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a formal presentation at 6 p.m. Virtual attendees must pre-register via the project website to participate online.
Comments can also be submitted via the project website, by email, or through traditional mail to Lee DOT. For more information and updates on the Cape Coral Bridge Project, visit www.capecoralbridgeproject.com or contact Lee DOT at 239-533-8580.