CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — Drivers on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral will soon need to adjust how they navigate certain intersections and access some businesses as part of a new Florida Department of Transportation safety project.
Construction is underway along Pine Island Road, and the project goes beyond resurfacing. FDOT is also planning safety improvements that will change how traffic moves at several locations.
Driving Pine Island Road is part of Kenneth Dunham’s daily routine. He said getting through the area isn’t too difficult.
“As long as you’re paying attention, it’s not too bad,” Dunham said.
Robert Harrelson has watched traffic change over the years.
“Very busy over the years,” Harrelson said.
One of the planned improvements involves closing a median opening at the Lowe’s entrance. Harrelson isn’t convinced that change will help traffic.
“I think it’s going to create more congestion,” Harrelson said. “If you can’t turn to get into Lowe’s there, you’re going to have to go down, make a U-turn to come back to get to Lowe’s.”
FDOT plans to add a second eastbound left-turn lane at nearby Pondella Road. That means drivers will have two lanes available to make that left turn instead of one.
Dunham supports that change.
“I think it’s a good idea, as long as, you know, they can get it done and everyone stays safe,” Dunham said.
FDOT plans to add traffic islands to help direct vehicles through the intersection at Del Prado Boulevard. A new directional median island will also change how traffic moves at Hibiscus Drive.
Construction is expected to be finished in late 2027.