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Project Details
Phase: Design
Limits: From north of Crescent Street to north of Hurricane Bay Bridge
Length: 1 miles
City:
County:
Road:
Letting: 12/06/2023
Estimated Costs
Construction Cost: $7.9 million
About

01/16/2024: At this time, construction is anticipated to begin in late Summer of 2024.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is preparing the design of improvements along San Carlos Boulevard (SR 865) from north of Crescent Street to north of Hurricane Bay Bridge in Lee County.  

An Operational Analysis Study for this project was completed December 2018. The final study documents can be found under the Documents section.

Several alternatives were presented at a Public Meeting held February 27, 2018 at the Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church, 100 Chapel Street, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931. The design is proceeding consistent with recommended alternatives Beach Alternative 1 and Island Alternative 2 from the December 2018 Operational Analysis Report.

On June 30, 2022, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by FHWA and FDOT, granted Location and Design Concept Acceptance for SR 865 (San Carlos) from North Crescent Street to North of Hurricane Pass Bridge. This was advertised in the Fort Myers News Press on July 22, 2022. 

Project Description

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District One is preparing the design of improvements along San Carlos Boulevard (SR 865) from north of Crescent Street to north of Hurricane Bay Bridge, approximately one mile, in Lee County. The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be modified to accommodate a shared-use path.   The existing southbound Bus/Bicycle-Only lane will be converted to a general use travel lane. San Carlos Boulevard from Main Street to Hurricane Bay Bridge will be restriped to accommodate bicycle lanes in each direction of travel. The existing southbound Right-Turn-Only lane approaching Main Street will be converted to a general use travel lane that will continue across the Matanzas Pass Bridge. A new traffic signal will be constructed at Main Street. The alternating signal at Prescott Street / Buttonwood Drive will be adjusted to operate as a conventional signal. 

In partnership with Lee County, LeeTran, and Town of Fort Myers Beach, this project will incorporate Lee County's Seafarers Alternative at the intersection of Estero Boulevard and Fifth Street. Lee County presented Seafarers Alternative to Fort Myers Beach Town Council on March 2, 2020. Town Council consensus was to move forward with Lee County's intersection concept. The intersection concept can be found under the Documents section. A new traffic signal will be constructed at Fifth Street to replace the existing pedestrian crosswalk signal. The reconstructed intersection will enhance public transit mobility, pedestrian safety, and provide opportunity areas for landscaping and other aesthetic features.

 

Need for the Project

The purpose of the project is to provide additional travel options on a congested corridor, especially during the peak tourist season (January - April). The project will enhance mobility and safety for vehicular and non-vehicular transportation and increase accessibility and connections between community points of interest.

FDOT is coordinating with Town of Fort Myers Beach, Lee County and LeeTran on the design of improvements throughout the project limits. Two projects are being implemented via the FDOT Local Agency Project (LAP) process ahead of the San Carlos Boulevard project. Lee County is installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of Estero Boulevard and Crescent Street. Town of Fort Myers Beach is installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of Estero Boulevard and Old San Carlos Boulevard. The Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is running concurrently with the design.

Public Involvement

Public involvement is an integral part of the San Carlos Boulevard (SR 865) Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study. FDOT will use various activities to engage interested parties in the study process and there will be a number of opportunities for public comment, including an alternatives public information meeting and a public hearing. Remember that you may also submit comments or questions about this project at any time during the study, by using the Send a comment button.

FDOT will hold meetings with agencies and stakeholders as needed throughout the study. These meetings will assist the study team with identifying issues, opportunities, and potential transportation solutions for the corridor. Throughout the study process, FDOT will provide presentations to various organizations; interested citizens may request a presentation to their group or organization by using the Send a comment button.

If you are interested in being added to the mailing list to receive study information, please use the “Send a Comment” button to provide your information to the project team.

Public Hearing - February 3, 2022

FDOT held a public hearing for the San Carlos Boulevard (SR 865) PD&E project on February 3, 2022. Materials were also available for review and comment through this website from January 26, 2022.

The workshop comment period is now closed, but you may still view an online copy of the materials presented in the Project Documents section. To submit comments to be included in the general study record, use the “Send a Comment” button.

View Factsheet
Contact Information
Design Project Manager
Christopher Speese
239-225-1973
For Media Inquiries Only
fdot-d1comm@dot.state.fl.us
Project Documents
Project Videos
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