Cape Coral neighbors push for Burnt Store Road improvements | Lee County

Drivers in Cape Coral are expressing fear over a dangerous and deadly road in their community.

Burnt Store Road has become a significant concern following a recent crash that claimed the lives of three people, including Norma Ralston, 79, and Gary Galiher, 77. The crash occurred near the intersection of Janis and Burnt Store Roads, which is currently only two lanes.

Cape Coral leaders are set to address residents’ concerns about this road during a committee of the whole meeting scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Safety has been a long-standing issue on Burnt Store Road.

WINK News reached out to the Cape Coral Police Department for statistics on crashes this year.

They reported 51 crashes along the road, with 15 resulting in injuries, five being rollover crashes, and four hit-and-runs without injuries. These statistics exclude incidents handled by the Florida Highway Patrol.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), between 9,800 to 14,000 vehicles travel on Burnt Store Road daily. That number is projected to grow to 32,000 by 2045.

Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman emphasized the importance of widening the road.

“The board has done a tremendous amount of work to widen the first three phases of Burnt Store Road, and I know we want to get this last 5.7 miles of Burnt Store Road widened,” said Hamman.

FDOT initiated a study in 2020 to assess how to expand this two-lane stretch. The results are expected by the end of the year, with the next step being funding, which could range between $185 to $190 million.

Residents are encouraged to voice their concerns at the Cape Coral committee of the whole meeting, starting at 9 a.m.

WINK News will continue to provide updates on the council’s discussions and the progress of this project.