Cape Coral Parkway lane expansion project expected to open today
The expansion of Cape Coral Parkway in the South Cape was expected to open to motorists Friday, weather permitting.
The main traffic corridor that leads into Fort Myers across the Cape Coral Bridge has been expanded to six through lanes.
“Opening the three through lanes in each direction is a significant milestone, but it does not mark the end of construction. Drivers should continue to expect congestion, use caution in the work zone, and follow posted signs and directions,” city spokesperson Kaitlyn Mullen said.
The overnight paving and striping work were expected to be done during the hours from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. ahead of the anticipated opening of the lanes in each direction.
“During overnight paving and striping, at least one lane will remain open in each direction, and drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible,” she said. “Construction such as leveling of manholes and water valve boxes in the pavement, final thermoplastic striping, and re-wiring of several signals will continue after the lanes open, with overall project completion anticipated in November 2026.”
The city council approved the Cape Coral Parkway East Six-Lane Improvement Project, between Coronado Parkway and Del Prado Boulevard, on April 1 to create six continuous travel lanes.
Construction-related lane closures began the week of May 11.
“The median on Cape Coral Parkway, just west of Coronado, was also reduced to extend one of the existing eastbound left-turn lanes. The other lane will be repurposed from a second left-turn lane to a through lane. The new lane configuration (was) expected to open by Oct. 23, weather permitting, and is intended to improve traffic flow and reduce backups,” she said.
Mullen said there are parking garages at The Cove at 47th and Bimini Square, along with new parking lots underway along Vincennes Street and Vincennes Boulevard, adding more than 300 parking spaces in the South Cape this year.
The lane expansion is part of a larger project that will include the replacement of the Cape Coral Bridge.
Last August, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve two measures advancing the project to expand and improve the aging Cape Coral Bridge, which connects Cape Coral Parkway in the city of Cape Coral to College Parkway in south Fort Myers.
The planned improvements are designed to increase roadway capacity, alleviate existing congestion, accommodate projected growth, enhance safety, and expand bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.
A new eastbound bridge will first be built south of the current eastbound bridge and will temporarily provide two lanes in each direction to maintain current travel conditions. Once traffic shifts to the new eastbound bridge, both existing bridges will be demolished. A new westbound bridge will then be built to the north of the existing bridges. Each new bridge will accommodate three lanes of traffic and include a shared-use path.
More information about the Cape Coral Bridge may be found at capecoralbridgeproject.com.
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email mbradbury@breezenewspapers.com