Traffic mania on Pondella Road and US-41 following Caloosahatchee Bridge closure

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Headaches ensue on Pondella Road and U.S. 41 as motorists deal with day two of the Caloosahatchee Bridge closure.

On Tuesday morning, heavy traffic backup was reported at the intersection in North Fort Myers as indicators diverted motorists away from the construction site.

Traffic on Pondella Road and US-41 in North Fort Myers. Credit: WINK News

On Monday, frustrated drivers began making illegal maneuvers into the Big Lots parking lot in hopes of avoiding portions of traffic leading up to the Edison Bridge.

The problem became so pronounced that the Lee County Sheriff’s Office had to deploy deputies into the busy parking lot to deter motorists from taking the illegal shortcut.

Traffic is accumulating in the Big Lots parking lot in North Fort Myers. Credit: WINK News

Traffic began to accumulate in the Big Lots parking lot to avoid the build-up on U.S. 41 and Pondella Road.

As the intersection continued to clog with traffic, motorists decided to take the intersection of Pine Island and Pondella Road to avoid the mania.

Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes if possible when commuting but not through the parking lots of commercial businesses, which is a traffic offense.

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