An Update on Corkscrew Road and many other roads in the Greater Estero Area has been posted as of November 2024.
The project widens Corkscrew Road to six lanes from Ben Hill Griffin Parkway to Fire House Lane and four lanes from Fire House Lane to the east boundary of Bella Terra.
The project includes adding on-road bike lanes and some sidewalks, installing new drainage, and constructing a wildlife crossing approximately 1000 feet west of the entrance to Cypress Shadows Boulevard. This crossing will coincide with a regional flowway that crosses Corkscrew Road at that location. Completion is now scheduled for April 2024. The contractor is completing installing the fence on the north side (Wildblue) to direct wildlife to the wildlife crossing.
The first lift of paving for the westbound section from the entrance to The Preserve at Corkscrew to the entrance of Rivercreek/Wildblue was completed in February 2024.
The BOCC approved contract amendment (#6) at the Commission meeting on February 20th, 2024, to increase the construction cost and add 30 days for completion. This moved the completion date to the end of April 2024 (36 months).
With the crossover to traffic in the appropriate eastbound/westbound lanes (to allow construction of the two medians – Rivercreek & Wild Blue, Wildcat Run) accomplished overnight on March 3 & 4, 2024, the contractor is working on curbing, grading, and sod. This was (mostly) completed by March 25th, 2024. Some sod work remains.
The final lift of the blacktop was completed overnight on March 25/26, 2024, with two crews to complete the paving more quickly. All westbound lanes were open for traffic. The orange barrels were moved off the lanes, and all lanes were open for eastbound traffic from Ben Hill Griffin to The Preserve at Corkscrew. The barrels remain to force traffic to one lane eastbound from the Preserve at Corkscrew.
The contractor is working through the final project punch list. Crews are installing signage, sod, and fencing throughout the project. Crews continue to stripe the roadway at several locations along Corkscrew Road and complete concrete work, including curb and sidewalk.
Thursday, May 9, 2024 – Corkscrew Road is now in its final configuration from Ben Hill Griffin Parkway to Bella Terra Boulevard. Motorists should expect isolated flagging operations with periodic lane closures as the contractor works through the final project punch list.
On Thursday, May 9, and Friday, May 10, motorists should expect a slow-moving operation for crews to stripe the roadway. On Friday, May 10, during daytime hours, motorists should expect crews working in the westbound travel lane at the wildlife crossing/bridge to repair asphalt.
LDOT is installing traffic monitoring devices along the route. Traffic cameras are installed at all traffic signals. Microwave Vehicle Detection Systems are described in the FDOT Standard Specification for Road and Bridge Construction, section 660-2.1.2.3 (see note 1). LDOT can monitor and adjust traffic signals from their traffic control center.
Representatives of the Village of Estero, Engage Estero, and the East Corkscrew Alliance met with the Lee County Sheriff’s representative on Monday, March 11th, 2024, to discuss safety concerns on Corkscrew Road. An option for more safety oversight on Corkscrew Road and throughout the greater Estero area is growing the number of Civilian Support volunteers. https://www.sheriffleefl.org/civilian-support-unit/
Speeding is already an issue. Vehicles are traveling 55 mph+! In an interesting move from LCSO, Patrols stopped and cited speeders on April 1st, 2024. There was an accident on Saturday, April 13th, 2024, as a vehicle exiting Bella Terra Blvd with a green left turn arrow was struck by a vehicle proceeding eastbound on Corkscrew Rd and ran the red light.
The traffic signal at Bella Terra Blvd/Midnight Blue Blvd and Corkscrew Rd has been updated. The left turn arrow starts green, goes to red, and then flashes yellow. We will have to get used to this.
LCSOs have been out patrolling Corkscrew Rd on an irregular basis.
On Sunday, May 12th, 2024, the contractor stripped the dashed lines on westbound and eastbound Corkscrew Rd, crossing Ben Hill Griffin. The lanes did not quite line up, and the dashed lines were necessary to ensure vehicles remained in their respective lanes as they transited the intersection.
The contractor continued stripping the roadway during the nighttime/overnight hours tonight, Wednesday, 5/15, and Thursday, 5/16. Crews are expected to return on Monday night, 5/20.
The culverts on Corkscrew Rd widening Phase I do not have bars or pipes across them to prevent large animals from entering. Is this part of the punch list?
David Murphy, LDOT (DMurphy@leegov.com) responded (May 2024), “not on the punch list.”
LDOT Director Rob Price reported (May 21st, 2024) that the expected completion date is now the end of June 2024. The contractor is now accruing liquidated damages. The contractor is responsible for construction debris, trash, and dead wildlife during construction. Cougar (Contractor) working LDOT identified “punch list” items.
Motorists should expect a daytime lane closure for eastbound traffic on Friday, June 7, for crews to remove concrete strain poles at the intersection of Stoneybrook Golf Drive. Two concrete poles from the old traffic light at Stoneybrook Golf Dr. and Corkscrew Rd (Pinewoods School access) on the SW corner of the intersection. They were to be removed by the contractor on Jun 6th and Jun 7th, 2024. Construction Ahead signs were removed on Jun 18th, 2024. The last old concrete pole at Stoneybrook Golf Dr. and Corkscrew Rd was removed in July 2024.
Cougar Construction is working on the storm drains. It appears there are major issues.
Contractors are working on installing electronic wiring and connections for the traffic monitoring devices. Currently, AIS (a subcontractor to Cougar) is connecting/wiring/installing Microwave Vehicle Detection Systems along Corkscrew Rd.
LDOT confirmed today, August 6th, 2024, that the system is not connected yet, but hopefully soon. The Phase I Corkscrew Rd widening Microwave Vehicle Detection Systems should be installed by September 2024.
Once operational, the data will be essential to understanding the traffic volume on Corkscrew Rd. The data will be available to the public on the LDOT website.
https://lee.public.ms2soft.com/tcds/tsearch.asp?loc=Lee&mod=
Rivercreek development, Wildblue commercial, and the Wildblue development will eventually fund a traffic signal at Estero Crossing Blvd/Wild Blue Blvd and Corkscrew Rd. There is no projected date for the installation and completion of this light.
The engineer, Trebilcock Consulting Solutions, is working on plan revisions resulting from the 60% design review comments from LDOT. There has been a minor delay with the underground utility location process. The initial sub-surface investigation for the four proposed locations for the mast arm supports/poles identified numerous conflicts with existing underground facilities. The SUE (Sub-surface Utility Exploration) sub-consultant is in the process of performing additional underground investigations. As soon as this is complete, the plans will be updated and submitted to LDOT and Development Services for the LDO and Right-of-Way permits. At the same time, they will work with LDOT and obtain bids for the traffic signal from qualified contractors so that realistic costs can be determined.
After three attempts to locate the base of the mast arms, the third try was a success. With the locations of the base of the mast arms known, plans can be designed/created, and a Limited Development Order (LDO) can be submitted. The LDO is projected to be submitted in two weeks (the week of June 10th). With the design approved, the total cost can be estimated. A contractor will be selected, and long lead items will be ordered.
It is yet to be worked out who pays how much—discussions are ongoing between Rivercreek Developer, Wild Blue Commercial property, and Wild Blue community.
The final traffic signal plans were submitted for the Lee County LDO (Limited Review Development Order), and we expect bids to be received by the end of August 2024. Once the bids are received, discussions can start on the cost-sharing agreement.
The Rivercreek developer received the permits to construct the multi-use path along Corkscrew Road in front of Rivercreek, paralleling Corkscrew Rd. Construction started July 15th, 2024, and was paved with blacktop on July 31st, 2024. The concrete aprons to Estero Crossing Parkway have yet to be installed.
The Rivercreek developer is constructing the 10′ multi-use path to coordinate with the future sidewalk layout with the traffic signal. Still, the current drop curbs for the sidewalk connection are not in the correct locations. So, we may leave a gap between the path/sidewalk and the curb. Landscaping (immediately next to the path to replace the sod) should start soon.
Once the contractor, Cougar, completes the widening project, the Village of Estero will install shared-use paths, lighting, and landscaping. The Village of Estero efforts are projected to take 6 -9 months once a contractor has been selected. There may be long lead time items (e.g., street light poles) that may push the project to the right. The Village approved an agreement with GL Homes (Rivercreek) on the Right of Way acquisition for the multiuse path along Corkscrew Rd at their February 21st, 2024, Village Council meeting.
On Wednesday, June 5th, 2024, the Village Council approved the ranking of construction management firms for this project, as recommended by the Village’s selection committee: 1—Wright Construction, 2 – AIM Construction, 3—Chris Tel Construction, and 4—American Infrastructure Services.
Village staff will work with Wright Construction to negotiate a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract, including pre-construction services. Pre-construction services will include plan reviews, cost estimates, cost reduction recommendations, utility coordination, project schedules, and bidding for the project.
The CMAR contract was presented to the Village Council on July 3rd, 2024, at the Village Council meeting and approved for Wright Construction.
There have been surveying crews since July 2024.
The BOCC approved the easement the Village of Estero requested for the multi-use path along their BOCC-owned property on Corkscrew Rd. during their meeting on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024.
The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, to approve a contract for constructing Corkscrew Road Widening Phase II from the east side of Bella Terra to Alico Road. The $26.6 million contract is with Bergeron Land Development. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2024 and is expected to be completed in 24 months. Estimated Completion is now pushed to Summer 2026. The project includes funding from Lee County Utilities.
The construction process has started. Surveyors planted stakes, brush & landscaping are being cleared, fences are being moved, utility pipes are being identified, and larger utility pipes are being delivered to the site.
An agenda item on April 2, 2024, BOCC meeting identifies: Approve Subordination of Utility Interests for Corkscrew Road Phase II Widening:
Grants Lee County the necessary subordinated property rights from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to construct that portion of Corkscrew Road encumbered by existing FPL easement interests and provides for reimbursement to FPL for its utility relocation costs, estimated at $81,051. Recording fees are estimated to be $125. Construction commenced in the first quarter of 2024.
We found out from Pam Keyes, Director of Lee County Utilities:
“Typically, we do not install hydrants to large-diameter transmission lines located adjacent to arterial or major collector roads. There are instances where we install hydrants at major intersections in anticipation of future connections. All commercial and residential developments along the widening of Corkscrew Road have required hydrants spaced for the particular development type: 800’ for single-family, 400’ for commercial/multi-family, and 300” for industrial. For more information regarding these and other LCU standards, please refer to our webpage at https://www.leegov.com/utilities/design-manual. If you have additional questions, please get in touch with our New Development staff listed at https://www.leegov.com/utilities/new-development or the main phone number 239-533-8160.”
LDOT Engineer David Murphy stated, “FYI, we have two hydrants in phase 2 by Alico Road.”
Estero Fire Rescue is reviewing our concerns about the locations of fire hydrants as Corkscrew Rd has widened.
The contractor continues earthwork to construct the pond east of Corkscrew Shores during daytime hours. This pond will take stormwater runoff from the road.
Questions: Will the traffic signal at Corkscrew Rd and Alico Rd be designed, permitted, and constructed for three lanes each way of traffic? Is it still on track to be installed by Jan/Feb 2025?
From David M. Murphy, P.E., Project Engineer, Lee County DOT (May 2024), “It (the traffic signal at Alico Road and Corkscrew Road) is designed for:
EB (Eastbound) has two through lanes and one left turn lane. However, until we upsize (Corkscrew Road Widening—Alico Rd to East of The Place) the road to the east of Alico Road, there will only be one lane EB.
WB (Westbound) is designed for two through lanes and one right-turn lane north (to Alico Road).
SB (Southbound) [Alico Road] is one lane EB and one lane WB.
The contract for the signal is 14 months from Feb 19th. Plus, holidays and weather days.”
Most likely, the traffic signal will be operational by June 2025!
The communities of Corkscrew Shores and Corkscrew Estates are concerned about traffic signal timing. The Alico traffic signal must be synced with the Bella Terra traffic signal. This will allow Corkscrew Shores and Corkscrew Estates to have a break in traffic so they can enter and exit their communities safely.
5/21/2024, LDOT Director Rob Price reported construction is on schedule.
Motorists should expect a flagging operation on Monday, June 10, and Tuesday, June 11, during daytime hours at the intersection of Alico Road. Crews are scheduled to install two signal arm foundations in preparation for the new traffic signal. Drivers should also use caution as construction vehicles enter and leave the roadway. They were completed in July 2024.
Crews will install conduits for streetlights and fiber communication lines from Wayside Lane to Alico Road on the south side of Corkscrew Road. The streetlights will be Lee County “Standard,” which will differ from what the Village will install in Phase I. The fiber communication lines are for the microwave traffic counters and connect the Alico Rd traffic light to the LDOT Transportation Control Center.
The project will widen Corkscrew Rd from 4 lanes to 6 lanes.
This project is documented in the 2045 Lee MPO Transportation Plan as LC30, with Project Engineering costing $9.800M and Right of Way (ROW) acquisition costing $10.700M from 2026 to 2030. The construction cost of $62.500M) is identified in the 2031 to 2035 time. The total projected cost is $83.000M.
The project will widen Corkscrew Rd from 2 lanes to 4 lanes.
Developers along this stretch have or are planning for LDOT to acquire Right of Way.
The wildlife crossings in this section will be reconstructed.
Additional Wildlife Crossings beyond Phase II. DOT Director Rob Price (May 20th, 2024) expects additional wildlife crossings on future East Corkscrew widening efforts beyond the current crossing just east of Alico Rd. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Service determines wildlife crossings and their locations when the road widening permits are approved.
According to. Ray Blacksmith, President, Cameratta Companies, LLC, a large portion of the Corkscrew Road widening is being earmarked and funded by the developments east of Alico Road in addition to the road impact fees.
This project is documented in the 2045 Lee MPO Transportation Plan as LC31, with Project Engineering costing $4.267M and Right of Way (ROW) acquisition costing $1.060M from 2036 to 2045. The construction cost of $28.490M is identified in the 2036 to 2045. The total projected cost is $33.817M.
The project will widen Corkscrew Rd from 4 lanes to 6 lanes.
Contractors are replacing damaged sections of the south side sidewalk from Via Coconut Rd to River Ranch Road.
The project will widen Corkscrew Rd from 4 lanes to 6 lanes.
There is no requirement for Right of Way (ROW) acquisition as this was procured in previous years.
This project is documented in the 2045 Lee MPO Transportation Plan as LC36, with Project Engineering costing $4.620M from 2026 to 2030. The Right of Way (ROW) acquisition costing $7.290M and the construction cost of $36.220M) is listed in the 2031 to 2035 time. The total projected cost is $48.130M.
The project will widen Corkscrew Rd from 2 lanes to 4 lanes.
Developers along this stretch have or are planning for LDOT to acquire Right of Way.
The Regional Transportation Management Centers use the Microwave Vehicle Detection System to detect traffic on various freeways and city streets. The MVDS is used to observe all types of vehicular traffic, such as cars, trucks, and buses. The Microwave Vehicle Detection System is also used for automatic incident detection. Additionally, the MVDS can send alerts when traffic slows below a set “miles per hour” threshold for a specific duration of time.
The alert notifies the RTMC operator to look at the closed-circuit television camera feed showing the location near the MVDS unit so the operator can view the roadway and see why traffic has slowed. Cameras are used for incident verification after the RTMC operators have received notification from the MVDS unit that traffic has slowed or stopped. The Microwave Vehicle Detection System is used primarily to observe current traffic conditions. Unlike CCTV traffic footage data, MVDS traffic data is saved and archived. All MVDS units are being monitored at the same time.
MVDS units are used at traffic signal locations to aid signal operations and ramp metering. MVDS units used on ramps can detect wrong-way traffic or aid in vehicle detection. The MVDS data feed can provide real-time traffic status, and the archived traffic data can be used for trend analysis, crash reports, and average daily traffic volumes.
Almost all the traffic lights in Lee County are under the control of LDOT.
LDOT uses the Centracs Central System, which Econolite controls and administers. This company has received high praise and is widely acknowledged for providing prompt emergency service, regular upgrades of the system, and excellent guidance when required.
FDOT has microwave traffic counters in various places in the network. Some of these are within Estero Village, and data from these could potentially be of value in the current Village Traffic project. The village could also install additional counters at important intersections (cost—approximately $30,000) to assist in additional monitoring over time.
The LDOT Traffic Control Center will move to the Lee County EOC to ensure 24/7/365 monitoring.
