Estero drivers face lane closures as road expansion project continues

ESTERO, Fla. (WINK) — Drivers can expect midday slowdowns and lane closures through Wednesday along Corkscrew Road as crews continue a major road widening project near Alico Road.

The work is part of an ongoing effort to expand one of Lee County’s fastest-growing areas.

The slowdowns are expected from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day.

Along Corkscrew Road, the construction is hard to miss.

“I avoid it at all costs,” said Susan Suhrada, a local resident. “It’s just one of those streets that was bad enough to start, and now with construction, it’s even worse.”

Roy McLaurin, another local resident, said the construction reminds him of home.

“It feels like I’m back home in Chicago,” McLaurin said. “I used to live in Chicago, where there are only two seasons: summer and construction. So, when I see those orange barrels, I feel right at home.”

Orange barrels now line parts of one of Estero’s fastest-growing areas as crews continue phase two of a major road widening project.

This week, drivers may notice even more activity as crews work on drainage crossings between Bella Terra Boulevard and Alico Road. Jennifer Dorning, public information consultant for the Corkscrew Road widening project, explained the work taking place this week.

"What they’re doing this week is they are patching the drainage crossings,” Dorning said. “They did some open-cut drainage across Corkscrew Road, and as cars continue to pass over those and the dump trucks, they need attention, and so the contractor is going back out this week and filling those in some more, because that is something that can get pretty bumpy.”

That work will include lane closures and flagging operations, where crews temporarily stop traffic to move equipment through the area. While many drivers say the construction can be frustrating, some also say the improvements are necessary as more people move into the area.

“I think they need to do it because there are so many people out there,” McLaurin said.

The entire project will eventually add four travel lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks and a new traffic signal near Alico Road.

Meanwhile, some residents worry the constant construction is taking a toll on people who live and work in the area.

“I understand that the traffic, especially in season, is just horrific, but I know that it also encroaches on businesses and homes, and people lose business while they’re working,” Suhrada said.

WINK News will continue to provide updates as the project moves forward.