Jan 29, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT:
Kris Cella, Cella & Associates, Inc.
1631 Hendry Street
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
kcella@cella.cc

Public Information Meeting Scheduled for Proposed One-Way Tolling at Cape Coral and Midpoint Toll Plazas 

Fort Myers, FL, (January 29, 2007) -The Lee County Department of Transportation (LC DOT) is conducting a public information meeting on Thursday, February 1st, 2007 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at La Venezia Ballroom, 4646 SE 10th Place Cape Coral, to provide information and receive public input on the proposal to change the tolling procedures at the Cape Coral and Midpoint toll plazas.   

LC DOT is proposing one-way tolling at both toll plazas to improve traffic flow in the eastbound direction.  The toll collection equipment and the canopies would be removed from both the Cape Coral and Midpoint toll plazas in the eastbound direction (the south side) allowing free flow traffic.  

In lieu of collecting $1 each direction, the toll would be $2 but only in the westbound direction.  The toll discount programs available to LeeWay customers would remain in effect, with reduced fare programs paying $1 one-way only, rather than $0.50 in each direction, and those with the unlimited trip program continuing to pay no per-trip toll either way.  Variable Pricing would also remain in effect with eligible toll customers paying 25% of the normal toll only during the afternoon variable pricing hours.

The net effect for the average customer that typically only receives the discount in one direction would be that they are still charged the same effective toll for one day's travel to and from Cape Coral.

The County Traffic and Revenue Consultant evaluated the financial impacts and traffic congestion at adjacent intersections to verify that this is a viable option. The conclusion was there is no significant financial impacts and that any increase in congestion can be addressed by adjusting signal timings. 

We invite the public to come to the meeting to gather information, and talk one-on-one with the project team.  Public input is welcomed and your attendance at this public information meeting is encouraged. 

Anyone needing special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Kris Cella at 239-337-1071.  If you have any questions about the project or would like information prior to the workshop, contact Ms. Cella by phone or e-mail to kcella@cella.cc.

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