Lee County residents are facing longer commutes as traffic congestion increases.
In fact, traffic data shows Lee County drivers have the longest commutes in Florida, traveling further to get to work than anywhere else in the state.
Data shows roads like Daniels Parkway now carry 85,000 cars daily, while Palm Beach Boulevard and Alico Road see 80,000 and 83,000 cars per day, respectively.
To address the future of our growing community, local leaders met Thursday to discuss future economic development plans. Helen Edenfield, chair of the Horizon Council, highlighted that Lee County’s population is projected to exceed 1 million by 2027. Plans for road improvements, including Colonial Boulevard restructuring and an I-75 Exchange for Fort Myers, are underway.
The economic impact is also significant, with the average family in Lee County spending 12% of their income on car costs — with that number rising to 30% for families in Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral.
With rapid growth, officials are working to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with rising demand.