Marco Island roadwork on Collier Blvd frustrates drivers

MARCO ISLAND Fla., - Drivers heading to Marco Island over the Jolley Bridge will encounter construction on North Collier Boulevard.

The project is replacing old water and sewage mains, creating traffic challenges for residents.

Lisa Diehl, a mother of five living on North Collier Boulevard, expressed her concerns about the construction.

"I do wish it wasn't going to be right in front of the house for the next year," she said.

Diehl mentioned the difficulties of getting her children to school due to the construction.

"It can be a little tough right now, because of the construction, getting to school every day is a little bit of a challenge," Diehl said.

The City of Marco Island is currently in the first phase of construction, which involves replacing water mains on North Collier Boulevard. The mains on North Collier are nearly complete, with work on North Barfield Drive scheduled to begin in the new year.

While both lanes of North Collier Boulevard remain open, drivers on North Barfield Drive will need to find alternate routes. Diehl noted the inconvenience of the construction detours.

"We have two lanes on both sides again, it's not too bad we have to do an extra circle to get to our house," she said.

Her neighbor, Max Levy, who has lived on the island since the 1970s, prefers to avoid the area altogether.

"What I see is a big mess with the traffic," Levy said.

At 90 years old, Levy doesn't drive much anymore, but he observes the traffic challenges during walks with his dog, Cookie.

"It's been a disaster for those poor people, especially the people that live on Collier, you know, when they come in, they cannot go through this way," he said.

Despite the traffic frustrations, Diehl remains optimistic about the project's future benefits.

"I've sat here sometimes for 15 minutes just trying to get out of my driveway," Diehl said. "I don't love it, especially around the holidays, but you know what? It has to happen. They're working really hard."

Diehl appreciates the construction workers' efforts to assist residents during the project.

"The nice thing is, the construction people are really helpful. Lots of times they'll hold the traffic so I can get out," she said.

The construction is scheduled to continue until September 2026. For more information, visit the WINK News website.

The city advised drivers on road safety. Major milestones include the installation of potable and reclaimed water mains under Collier Boulevard.

Drivers are reminded to merge at indicated points, adhere to a 25 mph speed limit in construction zones, and use alternative routes like Bald Eagle Drive.