Charlotte County plans to improve roads over the next 25 years

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – Charlotte County is spending nearly $2 billion on a plan to improve roads over the next 25 years.

Burnt Store Road is a top priority for officials as the road connects Charlotte County with Lee County and also serves as an evacuation route.

Another top project is Harborview Road, a frequently used exit off Interstate 75.

“Harborview Road, it’s a scary death trap it’s two lanes of roadway, traffic, the posted speed is 45 but most people don’t do that,” said Robert Herrington, MPO director.

The county wants to expand the two lane road to four lanes. Another focus is improving pedestrian safety. The plan is to add crosswalks to 10 intersections along U.S. 41. With Charlotte County’s growing population, officials want to give people another way to get around.

“Population is aging fast and as it does, you can see people can’t drive any longer but they still need to get out and about, so transit is a very high priority in this group,” said Herrington.

The 2040 transit plan will cost about $1.8 billion. So far, improvements over the next four years are funded.