FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Vicki Griffin, Cella & Associates, Inc.

                      (239)337-1071

LEE DOT TO HOLD JOINT PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON SUMMERLIN ROAD PROJECTS AUGUST 21, 2003

Topics are: 

--Six-laning design projects revised to reflect public comment received at  workshops held last year

--Public comment sought regarding amendment to Controlled Access Resolution

Fort Myers, FL, August 14, 2003 - The Lee County Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today it would conduct a joint public information workshop for two design projects being developed for the widening of Summerlin Road.   The limits of the projects are from San Carlos Boulevard to Gladiolus Drive (Lee County Project #4067) and from Cypress Lake Drive to Boy Scout Drive (Lee County Project #6007). The workshop will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2003 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 9065 Ligon Court in Fort Myers (next to Lexington Country Club).

Engineers have been developing improvements for Summerlin Road that consist of widening the existing four lane corridor to a six-lane divided roadway within the project limits, the addition of an two urban interchanges for the intersections of San Carlos Boulevard and Summerlin Road and College Parkway & Summerlin Road and the addition of a flyover interchange at the intersection of Summerlin Road and Gladiolus Drive.  The four-laning of Winkler Road from Summerlin Road to Gladiolus Drive and improvements to Gladiolus Drive from Winkler Road to Summerlin are included as part of Project #4067. The purpose of both projects is to improve roadway capacity to accommodate future transportation needs.

The public information workshop is being held to present the revised design plans based on public comment received at workshops held last year.  Initial workshops were held for each of the projects to present project information to the public and receive comments based on 30% design plans.  The Lee County DOT responded to the comments by revising the design plans where engineering and permitting criteria allowed modifications.  Design plans, typical sections and project information will be available for review.  Representatives from Lee County DOT will be available to discuss the project and answer questions.

In addition, the public workshop is being held to solicit public comment regarding a proposed amendment to the Lee County Resolution that designated Summerlin Road as a controlled access road and established permanent access points along the road corridor.  Design plans for the widening of Summerlin Road available for review at the workshop includes changes to access points at Summerlin Lakes Drive and the Hilton Hotel.

The proposed changes will be presented for approval by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) at a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2003.

The workshop will be conducted in an "open house" format; no formal presentation will be given.  Persons may attend the workshop anytime from 5 - 7 p.m.   Anyone needing special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Vicki Griffin at Vgriffin@cella.cc or phone (239)337-1071 prior to the workshop.