FDOT prepares open house on diverging diamond at I-75 and Daniels Pkwy

Drivers in Lee County can expect more road construction as the Florida Department of Transportation prepares to rework the Interstate 75 and Daniels Parkway interchange.

The project aims to convert the interchange into a diverging diamond, similar to the one at Colonial Boulevard and I-75.

FDOT will host an information session on the project Thursday at Riverside Church on Daniels Parkway from 4 to 6 p.m., with a virtual meeting at 6:30 p.m.

The project will include reconstructing the I-75 ramps, installing new signals, accommodating bikers and walkers, and resurfacing Daniels Parkway.

FDOT says diverging diamonds are designed to improve traffic flow, eliminate left turns, and increase safety for drivers, walkers, and bikers.

Tony Essian, a Fort Myers snowbird, shared his concerns about the construction.

"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."

Mackenzie Reinert, another Fort Myers driver, expressed her worries about the construction.

"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 is expected to start early this year. FDOT says lane closures will occur on I-75 from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and on Daniels Parkway from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. The closures will not happen three hours before, during, or after spring training games.

The project is scheduled to be completed by summer 2028. WINK News will provide updates as more information becomes available.

To register for Thursday's virtual open house meeting, click here.