33 trees marked to be removed ahead of Cape Coral Parkway expansion

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—The city is preparing to expand a section of Cape Coral Parkway from four lanes to six lanes to help ease traffic congestion.

To make room for the expansion, the city will remove street parking and several trees marked with X's along the roadway. The project is part of Cape Coral's response to the area's rapid growth.

The City sent this statement to WINK News:

“As part of the Cape Coral Parkway Six-Laning Project, 33 trees have been identified as a roadside hazard and will be removed to support roadway improvements and enhance motorist safety.”

"We've been back there sometimes, and there aren't any places to park," said Debbie Waitman, a Cape Coral snowbird. "But as far as commuter traffic, I'm sure those people would be very happy."

Waitman stays in Cape Coral from October to May every year. She said the shade the trees provide is important in sunny Florida. She says she is concerned about what taking away the trees and parking in the front of the businesses would do to the merchants.

"Let's face it, we have an older population down here, and they can't always sit in the hot sun, especially in the summer," Waitman said. "That might hurt a little bit, so if they replace them with a canopy or large umbrellas, maybe that wouldn't be so bad."

Frank Kelly, the owner of Barunch, said he's surprised how quickly signs of construction appeared.

"It went from delayed, delayed, delayed to it's going to be done," Kelly said.

Kelly said he's not worried about the trees coming down because he plans to add more shade to his patio. He is looking into adding more protection now that the barrier won't be there.

"I'm glad it's happening off-season," Kelly said. "It'll be a little slower, but we still have to see what we need to do to feel safe."

Kelly said his business will remain open during construction.

"We're still gonna be open, and we're gonna do everything we can to keep everybody safe, and that's all we can do," Kelly said.

The city said construction to widen the road could start next month. Lane closures are expected during the project.