Oct 16, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 16, 2007

WHAT:  Ground Breaking Ceremony, Estero Parkway Extension Project
                 ($35 million project)

WHEN:  Monday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m.

WHERE:  Along Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, one mile north of Corkscrew Road
                    (or 3 miles south of Alico)

OTHER:  Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann will serve as Master of
                   Ceremonies

(He will be joined by the County Commission and representatives of the Estero Chamber of Commerce, Estero Community Planning Panel, and Estero Council of Community Leaders)

BACKGROUND:

The construction project facts and figures - The Estero Parkway Extension project will extend Estero Parkway from its eastern terminus at Three Oaks Parkway over the Interstate to connect with Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. This 0.9 mile connection is anticipated to provide substantial relief to both the Alico Road and Corkscrew Road corridors in the vicinity of the Interstate.

This project will be the first new bridge over the Interstate since East Terry Street was constructed in the early 1980's. The project will consist of construction of a new roadway and a new bridge over the Interstate that will initially be 4 lanes with the ability to expand to 6 lanes in the future.

Also included will be a water management system, sidewalks, street lighting, and new traffic signals at the intersections of Estero Parkway and Three Oaks Parkway and at Estero Parkway and Ben Hill Griffin Parkway.

The total construction cost is estimated at $35,128,484.50 with funding coming from both impact fees and gas taxes. The Lee County Board of County Commissioners allocated the funds for the project and the Lee County Department of Transportation staff will serve as the project manager.  

The Florida Department of Transportation issued a permit allowing the construction to proceed on state's right-of-way. Additionally, the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service and the South Florida Water Management District reviewed and issued the environmental resource permits.

The benefit to the businesses of the Estero community - The business community will benefit tremendously from the Estero Parkway extension because it will give individual businesses an important roadway alternative, to reach their destination rather than Corkscrew Road.

Many of our business community employees are residents living in the Estero area. They travel often to the Ft. Myers area and Corkscrew Road was the only roadway that they could use. Thanks to the Lee County Commissioners' vision and funding, they will shortly have a much faster route by way of the Estero Parkway that will significantly shorten their driving time. Estero Parkway will be a faster and more direct route to US 41 and will be a great asset to the roadway network that we enjoy in Southwest Florida. 

The benefit to the citizens of the Estero community - Estero Parkway is the western gateway to Florida Gulf Coast University. It will facilitate access to the University from the Estero Community and all points south. 

In addition the Estero Parkway Flyover, as it has long been called, will provide great traffic relief in and around the I-75 Corkscrew Interchange thus making travel much easier for our residents and visitors.

Printable Version