FDOT seeks public feedback on project to end backups on Matanzas Pass Bridge

The Florida Department of Transportation wants to hear your opinion on changes coming to Fort Myers Beach aimed at, among other things, reducing the heavy traffic on the Matanzas Pass Bridge.

The proposed project would have multiple parts. The area of impact would start north of Crescent Street and go up to just north of Hurricane Bay Bridge, which is around 1 mile. It includes an evaluation of possibly widening the Matanzas Pass Bridge, reconfiguring San Carlos Boulevard and working on Estero Boulevard.

Adam Rose, FDOT communications specialist, explained to WINK News why the project is happening to begin with.

“What we’re trying to do is find a way to make mobility in, you know, not just the traffic and the motorists, but also in pedestrians and bicyclists, we’re trying to improve it, we’re trying to make it safer and we’re trying to make it so that the roadway can be much more functional,” Rose said. “We are absolutely looking into alternatives and evaluating them very thoroughly.”

The meeting will start at 5 p.m. at Chapel by the Sea, located at 100 Chapel St. in Fort Myers Beach. Rose says FDOT responds to every comment and wants to give the community what it needs.

“What we’re proposing is moving one of the pedestrian walkways/bicycle ways to one side at this moment only, because we are trying to make the space that we have as functional as possible, and as safe as possible as well,” Rose said.

Public comment on the project will remain open for two weeks after the public hearing through Feb. 17. You can attend the live virtual event, attend in person or view all the materials online.