FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

What: Widening of U.S. Business 41 in North Fort Myers ($7.5 million project; FDOT project administered by Lee DOT)

When: Wednesday, July 21, 1 p.m.

Where: North Fort Myers Public Library, 2001 U.S. Business 41

Master of Ceremonies: County Commissioner Andy Coy

Previous releases referencing this project:

BACKGROUND

US BUSINESS 41 IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

The community of North Fort Myers is one of the fastest growing areas in Lee County. Rapid growth demands 'new and improved' facilities. That was never more true than with US Business 41. The Lee County Board of County Commissioners and the Florida Department of Transportation working along with the business owners on US 41 from Mariana Avenue to Littleton Road saw the urgent need to upgrade this major vehicular artery in north Lee County. Numerous improvements are now being added to this busy highway to help current and future motorists moving throughout the area. Listed below are the highlights of this much needed project.

1. Reason for road improvements - North Fort Myers and Lee County in general are experiencing rapid growth and development which has resulted in an increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This work is an important transportation project on the State Highway System that consists of improvement to the State Highway System consisting of widening Business 41 (SR 739) in North Fort Myers from two lanes to four lanes and includes storm water improvements, intersection improvements, sidewalks and lighting including the installation of a new signalized intersection at SR 739 and Powell Drive.

2. Miles of road - 1.14

3. Construction cost - $7.5 million

4. Source of project funds - Gas tax

5. Scope of work - A) Consists of widening from the road from Mariana Avenue to Littleton Road from two to four lanes, B) Installing sidewalk on the east and west sides of the roadway, C) Storm water improvements, digging two retention ponds on site and improving drainage on Crescent Lake Drive, D) Improved signalization, E) Improved street lighting, F) Sound wall installation (2040 linear feet) on the east side of the roadway at Buccaneer Estates, and G) Installation of landscaping and irrigation in the median.

6. Benefits of the Project - Provide a method of water quality treatment for stormwater runoff utilizing curb inlets and storm sewers to collect and convey runoff from the roadway to two storm water treatment ponds located on the west side of the road. With the addition of two lanes of traffic, improvement to the signalized intersection, improved street lighting and expanding sidewalks on the east and west sides of the roadway, the project will improve the safe, efficient movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

7. Estimated finish date - Summer 2005. This is a Florida Department of Transportation project. The Lee County Department of Transportation is overseeing the administration and construction for the project.

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners, the Florida Department of Transportation and local businesses pooled their resources and worked cooperatively and the result will be a greatly enhanced road that will greatly assist traffic flow on US Business 41. When all parties work together everybody benefits……government, businesses and, most importantly, the taxpayers.