Construction begins to improve safety on Burnt Store Road in Cape Coral

Drivers on Burnt Store Road near the Charlotte County line will encounter construction trucks, barricades, and signs for the next several months as Lee County works to improve safety on the road.

Peggy Flair, a Cape Coral resident, said driving on Burnt Store Road can be unsettling.

"Usually people are driving pretty fast on that road," Flair said.

She explained that the road becomes particularly hazardous when it narrows.

"When it narrows down, then it can get really tricky because people are wanting to pass you and it kind of makes it dangerous," Flair said.

The two-lane stretch of Burnt Store Road, which runs from Cape Coral to Charlotte County, is the focus of the $3 million safety improvement project. This is the same stretch where, last October, a truck crossed the center line, resulting in a crash that killed three people.

Flair, who rides her bike on the road, said the conditions are concerning for cyclists.

"You know, you take your life in your own hands," Flair said.

The project will enhance a five-mile section of Burnt Store Road from Delilah Drive to Vincent Avenue. Planned improvements include four-foot-wide paved shoulders on both sides of the road, rumble strips, guardrails, and new road signs.

Caleb Goff, who is visiting Cape Coral, said he supports the changes.

"Because I'm all about safety. Yeah. Whatever prevents accidents," Goff said.

Lee County officials said drivers will see crews working in the area, but traffic will not be impacted during the day. However, on June 7, there will be nighttime congestion with flaggers directing traffic.

Flair said she hopes the improvements will be worth the inconvenience.

"Anytime you have an improvement, you hope it's worthwhile because it is a pain in the butt," Flair said.

The project is expected to be completed in nine months, according to Lee County officials.