A stretch of Bell Boulevard that neighbors say has become too busy and too dangerous is about to get some long-awaited safety improvements. Lee County Commissioners are expected to award a $1.4 million contract Tuesday to build a new sidewalk and pedestrian bridge along Bell Boulevard.
The project is fully funded through the Federal Highway Administration and aims to make the area safer for people who walk or bike through the neighborhood.
The plan includes a new concrete sidewalk on the east side of Bell Boulevard from Sunrise Boulevard to Shadow Lakes Drive, then crossing the road at a new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon to connect to the west side of the street and continue north to Albemarle Circle.
It will also feature a prefabricated steel pedestrian bridge over Jim's Canal, new crosswalk signals, and drainage improvements.
For people who live nearby, it's a change they've been waiting decades to see.
"I think that would be a good idea because we have the supermarket that's gonna open here, Aldi," said Rosa Gemez, who has lived in the area for 21 years. "People walk to Aldi, and they can be hit by a car because the cars don’t stop."
Gemez says she's seen her share of close calls and even a crash that sent debris flying into her home.
"It was five o'clock in the morning….boom…a big explosion. The motorcycle tire came into my bedroom window," she said.
Lee County tells WINK News that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) identified this project as a priority to close a major gap in pedestrian infrastructure.
Construction is expected to begin in November and finish by next summer, weather permitting.