The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is proposing improvements on State Road (SR) 865 in Fort Myers, Lee County. The project limits are from Linda Loma Drive to Kelly Road. The purpose of this project is to provide improvements along SR 865 with the intent of enhancing safety along the corridor.

The project includes constructing chicanes, or concrete traffic islands, which will narrow the roadway to discourage speeding. The chicanes will be constructed in each direction on SR 865. Two additional traffic islands are proposed within the existing two-way left-turn lane for additional traffic calming. Additional improvements include installation of new signage and pavement markings. The Department is also exploring additional safety improvements as the design project progresses.

UPDATE:

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, invites you to the State Road (SR) 865 from Linda Loma Drive to Kelly Road Public Meeting. This meeting is to follow up on the previous meeting held on March 30, 2023. The Department appreciates the input from the pubic and its partners and would like to update them on the modification to the design, as a result of the feedback received. For your convenience, FDOT is providing three ways to participate:

1. In-Person Option: Attend in-person on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cinnamon Cove Clubhouse, 11650 Caravel Circle, Fort Myers, Florida. This will be in an "open house" format. Attendees who are not feeling well should not attend the in-person meeting.

2. Virtual Option: Attend virtually on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from a computer, tablet, or mobile device. You can register in advance at https://tinyurl.com/SR865-LindaLoma-to-Kelly. Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. Please note, Internet Explorer cannot be used to register or attend this webinar.FDOT held a public meeting (online and in-person) on Thursday, March 30, 2023, to present project information and provide an opportunity for the public to offer feedback. While comments and questions about this project can be submitted at any time, the official public meeting comment period is now closed.

Copies of the public meeting materials will be available for viewing in the Project Documents section. A copy of the public meeting video presentation will be available in the Project Videos section. 

FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status.

• You do not have to attend a live event in order to submit a comment. Comments can be submitted at the live meeting, through the website, or through the contact information provided on the other side of this notification. While comments about the project are accepted at any time, please send your comments by August 22, 2023, to be included in the formal public meeting record.

Why is FDOT changing the roadway on San Carlos Boulevard?

FDOT is making these changes because San Carlos Boulevard has a history of serious crashes.
This project is part of FDOT’s Target Zero initiative—to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The changes are designed to:

• Slow down vehicles using chicanes and a lower speed limit
• Improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists
• Provide better lighting and safer crossing points

The goal is simple: reduce crashes, save lives, and create a safer road for everyone.

What are chicanes?

Chicanes are gentle curves added to a straight road to slow down traffic. They require drivers to steer left and right, which naturally reduces speed. Unlike speed bumps, chicanes don’t cause abrupt jolts—they calm traffic by changing the path of travel.

They are designed to be safely navigated at or below 35 mph. Going faster makes it more difficult to stay in your lane, encouraging drivers to slow down.

What is a mid-block crossing?

A mid-block crossing is a pedestrian crosswalk placed between intersections, rather than at a corner. These are especially useful in areas where people often need to cross the road away from traffic lights.
Mid-block crossings improve safety by giving pedestrians clear, designated places to cross—and alerting drivers to slow down.