Fort Myers Beach traffic congestion worsens due to inactive light during holidays

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. —

Neighbors on Fort Myers Beach are frustrated with traffic congestion near Times Square, where an inactive traffic light at the intersection of Old San Carlos Boulevard, Estero Boulevard, and Fifth Street is causing significant backups.

Craig Davidson from Rensselaer, Indiana, said, "Until they get the stoplight going, it's going to continue to be a disaster."

Brett Werner, a local resident, noted the unusual traffic conditions, saying, "Today, the day after Christmas, is the first time I've seen traffic pretty much backed up all the way across the bridge coming onto the island today."

While some drivers find the delay challenging, others, like pedestrian Mike Sarnowski from Rhode Island, have not experienced significant issues.

"It seems to be fine. Everybody waited so long and let us pass across, and it was no problem," Sarnowski said.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is working with Lee County to reactivate the traffic light, but there is no known completion date.

Abigail Eberhart, the public information officer for the town, said, "We have a contract out with them and they told us that it is in progress, but we have no progress update. And unfortunately, you know, we have reached out and they have not been able to give us a very clear timeline."

To manage the traffic flow during the high season starting in January, the town plans to deploy two or three rangers at the intersection.

Gulf Coast News is still waiting to hear back from Lee County for more information.

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