Noise walls, new lanes: Estero neighbors push back on I-75 widening project

ESTERO, Fla. (WINK) — Estero and Lee County neighbors went in person to get their questions answered and voice concerns about the future of Interstate 75.

The Florida Department of Transportation plans to widen I-75 from Golden Gate Parkway to Alico Road. WINK News was at Estero Community Park, where the meeting was held.

When it first started, the lobby was full. Now that it's been going on for a while, neighbors have been coming and going, but more importantly, talking face to face with the leaders of this project.

Another meeting is scheduled between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at North Collier Regional Park on Tuesday. Collier County neighbors will also have the chance to ask questions and talk directly with FDOT project leaders.

This widening project has been in the works for the past couple of years, with a lot of discourse on how this will impact noise in the area. FDOT says the project's purpose is to improve traffic and enhance safety on I-75 from Golden Gate Parkway to Alico Road between Lee and Collier counties.

That means adding segments of additional lanes like auxiliary and express lanes in both directions, adding a new diverging diamond interchange at Immokalee Road, ramp modifications and noise walls. Noise walls are something neighbors have prioritized asking about when coming to this meeting.

FDOT tells WINK News that there are certain requirements when it comes to noise walls being installed. FDOT is still in the design phase of this project for the next couple of months.

Another public forum is scheduled for October.