Project Description

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is making improvements along San
Carlos Boulevard (State Road (S.R.) 865) from north of Crescent Street to north of Hurricane Pass
Bridge in Lee County.

Improvements include:

• New Traffic Signal at Main Street: A new traffic signal will be installed at the Main Street intersection to improve safety and help manage turning movements more efficiently.
• Bike Lanes Added on San Carlos Boulevard: From Main Street to the Hurricane Pass Bridge, the road will be restriped to include bike lanes in both directions. This gives cyclists a safer, designated space to ride.
• Wider Path for Walking and Biking on the Matanzas Pass Bridge: The narrow sidewalk on the bridge will be widened to create a shared-use path, making it safer and more comfortable for people walking, biking, or using mobility devices — especially for those who want to travel to and from the beach without a car.
• Seasonal Lane Use and Smart Signals System on the Matanzas Pass Bridge:
  • During high traffic periods (In-season), the outside southbound lane will be reserved for buses and bicycles only, and the inside lane will remain open to all vehicles, just like it works today.
  • During lower traffic periods (Off-season), both southbound lanes will be open to all vehicles.
  • Flashing signs will clearly let drivers know when the bus-only lane is active. These signs and traffic signals will be connected to a smart traffic system, allowing Lee County to adjust operations in real time based on traffic conditions.
  • The alternating signal at Prescott Street/Buttonwood Drive will remain active during high traffic periods to manage flow and will operate as a standard signal during lower traffic periods.

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.

What to Expect

During construction, motorists should expect intermittent nighttime/overnight lane closures Monday through Friday. Motorists are asked to exercise caution and reduce their speed while driving through the work zone. The construction schedule may change due to weather or other unexpected conditions. 

FDOT is coordinating with Town of Fort Myers Beach, Lee County and LeeTran throughout the duration of the project. 

Public Meeting - February 27, 2018

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.

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.