Burnt Store Widening Project Public Workshop

Discussion of Alternatives for the Florida DOT BSR Widening Project

The Florida DOT sent out an invitation for a Public Meeting/Workshop of the Burnt Store Road Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study from Van Buren Parkway to the Charlotte County Line in Lee County.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate alternative concepts to widen this segment of Burnt Store Road from two to four lanes, with future accommodation of six lanes, to address projected travel demand as a result of area-wide growth.

The workshop is being held to present information about the preliminary alternatives and provide the opportunity for the public to offer feedback.

You're Invited to a Public Workshop!

Date and Time:

In-Person: August 30, 2022 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Northwest Regional Library

519 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral, FL 33993 OR

Live Online: September 1, 2022 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Register at:

http://www.swflroads.com/burntstorerd/vanburentocharlottectyline

Burnt Store Road Construction Progress

The NWNA Webmaster, Paul Dworianyn, gives us an update on the progress being made along Burnt Store Road from Pine Island Road to Embers Parkway.

Phase 3 of Burnt Store Widening Project Aerial View

This is an aerial view of what the Southernmost section of the Burnt Store Widening Project will look like after it has been completed. Linda Stevens, the Secretary of the NWNA, explains what we will see as we travel on the new road.

Burnt Store South Segment Widening Project

Burnt Store Rd Widening Project Has Begun

Members, As promised by Lee County, the third and last segment of the Burnt Store Road Widening Project has begun and will run now through the Fall of 2023. At Hermosa Canal, just south of Embers, you can see the equipment being staged and several cranes being erected that are required to build a bridge over the canal. You will also see construction barrels lining both sides of the existing Burnt Store Rd. Once completed we will have 4 lanes of a new road from the north of Kismet heading south and a connection to Veterans and Pine Island Rd. Please see the attached flyer below from the county with a good illustration of the project; that should answer most of your questions. Updates will be provided to the membership as the project moves forward. Note - Please allow extra time and patience to travel this route so accidents can be avoided during construction. Visit:  www.BurntStoreWidening.com

Burnt Store Rd Widening Project Update

Mr. Vincent Miller, from the Lee County Department of Transportation, sent us an update on the two segments of Burnt Store Road that are scheduled for construction.

The two segments are the South end that connects to Pine Island Road and the segment North of Kismet Road to the city limit.

Here is his response to our email inquiry:

• How is the South Segment progressing and what are the timetables?

• The project is out for bid and bids will be open on September 30th. We anticipate construction commencing in December/January timeframe.

• How is the connector segment from the North Segment to the County Line progressing and what are the timetables?

• Currently, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is in the process of a Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) study that began about a year ago with approximately two years remaining. When the PD&E is complete by FDOT and adopted by the Lee County BOCC, then the design and construction will commence, once the project is prioritized and funding is identified.

Burnt Store Road Lighting Expedited

On April 16th 2019, at the Lee County Commissioners' meeting, the Northwest Cape Coral Neighborhood Association (NWNA) petitioned the Commissioners to expedite the installation of lights on the newly constructed Burnt Store Rd and to enhance the lighting plan for that construction.  The NWNA felt that the increased lighting would help to alleviate numerous safety issues.

Watch President John Jacobs Address the Commissioners

At that time, the Commissioners moved to have the county staff bring the details and cost back for consideration.

The NWNA was subsequently invited back to speak at their June 18^th meeting, where, during 3 minutes of public Input, we explained the dangers of the dark highway, sidewalks, crosswalks and multiuse paths that directly impact our residents.. 

The commissioners unanimously approved to adopt the County staff's recommendations, which include:

• Moving the lighting installation date from late 2020 to September 2019.
• Installing 132 lights on the North and Central sections from Van Buren to Tropicana.
• Approval of lighting budget of $1,707,359 for the enhanced lighting, which will be funded by the Bridge Toll Fund.

A very warm thank you to the Board of Lee County Commissioners and the County Staff for taking action in this matter.  They have been exceptional in working in partnership with our Association.