Drivers in Cape Coral may soon see more traffic delays as county officials decided to move forward with major road improvement projects.The work would remove worn-out asphalt and replace it with a new surface designed to drain water more effectively during storms. Crews will also strengthen the road base underneath, a move leaders say will reduce maintenance needs in the future.Officials said several of the roads slated for work are also used as evacuation routes.“And not just evacuation,” said Cape Coral resident Tom Purple. “We have a lot of people moving in from up north for services. That increases traffic and wears out the roads.”The projects would take place on Burnt Store Road between Northwest Fourth Terrace and the Gator Slough Canal, as well as Pine Island Road near the Matlacha and Little Pine Island bridges.County leaders said the upgrades are necessary to prevent vehicle damage and improve safety.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Drivers in Cape Coral may soon see more traffic delays as county officials decided to move forward with major road improvement projects.

The work would remove worn-out asphalt and replace it with a new surface designed to drain water more effectively during storms. Crews will also strengthen the road base underneath, a move leaders say will reduce maintenance needs in the future.

Officials said several of the roads slated for work are also used as evacuation routes.

“And not just evacuation,” said Cape Coral resident Tom Purple. “We have a lot of people moving in from up north for services. That increases traffic and wears out the roads.”

The projects would take place on Burnt Store Road between Northwest Fourth Terrace and the Gator Slough Canal, as well as Pine Island Road near the Matlacha and Little Pine Island bridges.

County leaders said the upgrades are necessary to prevent vehicle damage and improve safety.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.