Five new traffic signals planned
Cape Coral streets are getting five new traffic lights.
The signals will enhance safety by controlling traffic flow and so reduce the risk of accidents, officials said.
“It will also improve traffic efficiency by prioritizing different directions of traffic, which reduces congestion and delays. Overall, these new traffic signals will contribute significantly to increased safety and improved traffic management,” City Principal Engineer Pimolmas Tan said in an email.
Construction began July 21 on the first light at the intersection of De Navarra Parkway and Del Prado Boulevard. The anticipated completion is early 2024. The developer of Entrada will ultimately be responsible for paying for the signal at this intersection, Tan said, as it is part of the agreement with the developer due to the additional traffic from the subdivision.
To ensure the safety of motorists and construction crews, Tan said speed limits may be reduced near traffic light construction sites and detours, or lane closures may be in place.
“For instance, the speed limit on Del Prado Boulevard approaching the De Navarra intersection has been reduced from 50 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour. Left turns onto Del Prado from De Navarra will continue to be restricted throughout construction,” Tan said.
The second light has an anticipated construction start date in December at Averill Boulevard and Del Prado Boulevard. This is anticipated to be finished in the middle of 2024.
“Three signals are still in the early stages of procurement. The design contract and cost will need to go before Cape Coral City Council for approval,” Tan said.
Those lights include Diplomat Parkway and Andalusia Boulevard; Tropicana Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard and Embers Parkway and Chiquita Boulevard.
“Recent Signal Warrant Analysis indicates that installation of a traffic signal at this location will reduce current traffic flow delays and improve overall safety and operational efficiency at the following intersections: Averill Boulevard and Del Prado Boulevard, Diplomat Parkway and Andalusia Boulevard, Tropicana Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard and Embers Parkway and Chiquita Boulevard,” Tan Said.
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