A new traffic study is shedding light on Estero’s most accident-prone roads, and local leaders are now exploring ways to make them safer.
According to the study, the most dangerous intersection in Estero is Corkscrew Road and Three Oaks Parkway, which has seen 179 crashes in the past five years—more than any other location in the village. Other high-risk roads include:
- US 41 & Estero Parkway - 165 crashes
- US 41 & Corkscrew Rd - 158 crashes
- US 41 & Williams Road - 118 crashes (3 fatalities)
- US 41 & Coconut Road - 105 crashes
- Three Oaks Parkway & Estero Parkway - 93 crashes
- Corkscrew Road & Ben Hill Griffin Parkway - 70 crashes
Residents say the increase in crashes is noticeable.
“During rush hour, I think everywhere it's kind of a headache,” said Estero driver Joe Flood. “I probably see like three or four crashes a week.”
Kristen Teschke, who has lived in Estero since 2001, says the surge in development has contributed to growing traffic issues.
“The volume of cars on the roads in general has increased drastically,” she said.
In addition to congestion concerns, the data highlights a troubling number of fatal crashes. Since 2020, three deadly accidents have occurred at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Williams Road.
Estero Village Manager Steven Sarkozy says officials are taking the study’s findings seriously.
“You cannot build your way out of congestion, but we can fine-tune the current system,” Sarkozy said. “We want to clarify what projects we do and advocate for changes in the system.”
As part of the effort to improve safety, the Estero Village Council reviewed the study and narrowed down five key roads in need of attention. The council is now exploring possible solutions, including adjusting traffic signals, modifying intersections, and expanding roadways.
Some residents have their own ideas on what could help.
“I think adding lanes, taking out lights would probably help,” Flood suggested.
With development continuing to boom in Estero, local leaders say they hope to take proactive steps to reduce crashes and keep roads safer for everyone.