Burnt Store Road widening project in final phase

Speeding drivers, crashes, waiting in traffic: If you drive along Burnt Store Road in Cape Coral, you probably have a lot to say about the roadway. But relief is underway, as the Burnt Store Road widening project is entering a new phase.

Drivers say the widening is much needed, despite the construction headache. This project will make everyone’s commute quicker and, most importantly, safer. Burnt Road also serves as a major hurricane evacuation route for Southwest Florida, so having more lanes will be crucial if a major storm is bearing down on the region.

Cape Coral residents seem optimistic about the changes.

“When you’re trying to get out from here to make a left onto Burnt Store, I could take at least five minutes,” said Doug Reamsma. “It’s an improvement if you do the traffic spacing.

“I think it’s great,” said Peggy Love.

“The widening is great, it’s well overdue,” said Marla Vanderburg. “Especially for hurricane evacuations and stuff.”

The Cape Coral Police Department has provided numbers: The stretch of road to be widened sees around 70 crashes per year. In 2021 alone, there have already been over 20.