Lee County Plans $34.9M Road Project to Connect Alico Road, SR-82 by 2029

A major road project costing $34.9 million is set to reshape traffic patterns in Lee County. The project will link Alico Road to State Road 82 and widen Sunshine Boulevard. County officials will meet Dec. 3, 2024, to vote on the funding approval. Transportation director Robert Price explained how this project will help ease congestion at major intersections. Plans from 2009 anticipated the area's population growth and increasing traffic needs. The work will happen in three phases beginning in 2025. The final phase will expand Sunshine Boulevard to four lanes between SR-82 and 23rd Street SW in Lehigh. The design includes wildlife crossings and improved drainage systems. The intersection at Sunshine will mirror the current layout at Daniels and Gunnery Road. The development makes room for a new elementary, middle, and high school complex near the intersection. The planning ensures easy access to education for nearby residents. Maria Bello welcomed the news. Her husband's daily commute to Naples, currently two hours, will be much shorter. "It takes him like two hours when he goes to Naples, so this will really benefit him. It would save us time, money. It would be great," she said to Fox 4 News. Residents can share their thoughts on construction plans and schedules through Dec. 2 using the county's website. This project aims to support Southwest Florida's growing communities and should be complete by 2029.