Daniels Parkway construction in Fort Myers tests driver patience with delays

FORT MYERS, FLA. — Drivers on Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers are starting to encounter construction and congestion due to a major reconstruction project at the I-75 interchange. This project is expected to test patience before delivering improvements.

WINK News reporter Bridget Bruchalski was at the scene and spoke to drivers about their experiences.

Mackenzie Reinert, a local of Fort Myers, expressed her frustrations with the ongoing work.

"They have the giant trucks, and it's always like, 10 guys halfway, maybe in the road a little bit. I thought one was gonna cut me off when I pulled into the gas station," said Reinert.

Construction has just started, and Reinert is already feeling the impact.

"It's kind of terrible," said Reinert. "Everybody's either speeding or going way too slow."

Reinert also mentioned the challenges at the highway entrance when heading south to Naples, noting it's often backed up.

"It's kind of terrible. The cones that way, they're like, halfway in the lane on the left," Reinert said.

The construction aims to introduce a diverging diamond intersection, a design that briefly shifts traffic to the left to keep cars moving and reduce backups. Crews have also begun clearing trees as part of the preparation work.

Tony Essian, a Fort Myers snowbird, shared his perspective on the construction.

"You know, it's just construction. But in Florida, it's a little bit different, because you have more lanes," said Essian.

Essian emphasized the importance of patience during this period.

"What normally takes 20 minutes will take 45 minutes," said Essian. "We're already planning alternate routes, but if you keep up with things, you can manage it."

He hopes the project will ultimately be beneficial.

"There's a trade-off to everything, right? And so we have to put up with it a little bit, but it'll be easier later on. And I'm sure it'll help the area," Essian said.

Reinert has seen the benefits of a diverging diamond intersection before and is optimistic about the outcome.

"Once you get used to it, it's a little bit more efficient," said Reinert. "The traffic was horrible already, so the Forum seems to be moving a little bit better."

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) stated that most disruptions are expected to occur overnight, with lane closures between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Construction will also pause around nearby spring training games. The entire project is expected to take about two years.