Residents’ Concerns and Actions Considered

Introduction

Earlier this month, Terry Flanagan wrote, “The planned expansion of Interstate 75 (I-75) from mile marker 123 to 105, which will increase the highway to four lanes in each direction, presents significant benefits for regional transportation and economic growth in Florida.1” Engage Estero has since been informed that between Corkscrew Road and Immokalee Road, there will be five lanes in each direction – a total of 10.

He noted that “such an expansion may lead to increased traffic noise for adjacent communities, including Stoneybrook, Woodlands, Tidewater, Villagio, Villa Palmares, Shadow Wood, Copperleaf, Lighthouse Bay, and Pebble Pointe.”

Residents have shared their concerns with Engage Estero and requested information on which actions they might take. Having recently received valuable insights from the following individuals, we believe it is essential to provide this updated report.

• Carmen Monroy, Senior Transportation Manager, CTS Engineering.
• Don Scott, Executive Director of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization.
• Nicole Harris, FDOT Southwest Connect^TM Project Manager.

Don Scott commented: “I have spoken with several of your residents regarding this issue. Earlier this week, we saw a presentation at the Collier TAC on what is being proposed to widen I-75 and how noise is being addressed. This is the biggest question/comment we have heard so far (I think they may be adding a slide or two based on that discussion, and if the attached presentation changes, I will send it to you). They will also be giving presentations at our upcoming committee and Board meetings this next month, with a public hearing scheduled for August. You will note from the attached presentation that I-75 north of Immokalee to Corkscrew will be widened to ten lanes.“

(see slide from the presentation below)

Nicole Harris said, “The Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the segment from Golden Gate Parkway to Corkscrew Road is still underway and on track for completion in January 2026. As part of this phase, a traffic noise study is being conducted to evaluate current and future noise levels for communities along the corridor. We’re finalizing key design elements, such as traffic projections, drainage, and lane configurations, that feed into the noise analysis. Once complete, the study will determine whether noise barriers are warranted, feasible, and reasonable under FDOT and FHWA guidelines.”

Carmen Monroy has indicated that FDOT considers the public’s views and has suggested that people attend FDOT’s upcoming meetings to express their opinions and communicate with the FDOT team. These details are provided at the end of this report.

While it is appreciated that FDOT, by the regulations in place, governs what needs to be done when a major highway is expanded and required to investigate the potential noise implications, Engage Estero would like to provide residents with several key facts.

Although construction work on the section between Corkscrew Road and Bonita Beach Road is not scheduled to begin until 2029, information from the public that could influence noise mitigation procedures is required between August and the end of 2025.

FACT 1. Higher Speed increases Traffic Noise.

Faster speeds on the highway do increase noise levels. Given that 10 lanes will be available through the Estero section of I-75, higher speeds are inevitable. The increased noise is due to increased tire friction, aerodynamic noise, and engine and exhaust noise increases, particularly for trucks and older vehicles. Doubling speed can more than quadruple the aerodynamic noise.

Extensive research has been undertaken to demonstrate that higher highway speeds significantly increase traffic noise levels. One study that was completed in Amman demonstrated the significant increase in noise as speeds are increased (see chart below with speeds in Kms, 100 km/h = 62mph and 120 km/h = 75mph) ²

The decibel level at 75 mph (120km/h) is just over 80 dB. This measure is usually based on the noise level at 50 meters (54 yds) and a microphone height of 1.5 meters.

The decibel level would equate to approximately 68 decibels at 0.5 miles away when modeling actual traffic noise based on a line source estimate that is typically used. However, golfers in Estero will confirm that from around 10 am, the wind generally picks up to around 10 to 15 mph. A wind of this level coming towards a location around 0.5 miles from the road increases the decibel level by around 6 dB. With downwind wind of 10-15 mph, the noise level is significantly increased, becomes more noticeable to the human ear, and extends the impact to a broader area, reaching 71 to 74 dB.

In conclusion, a 10–15 mph breeze blowing from the highway toward your location could increase the perceived sound level by 3–6 dB, making the noise noticeably louder, potentially doubling the perceived loudness compared to calm air, depending on conditions.

FACT 2. FDOT’s Approach to Assessing Traffic Noise and Decibel Levels.

Appendix 1 illustrates the process that FDOT undertakes to assess the level of road traffic noise that can affect neighborhoods near the highway. As indicated above, a traffic noise study is being conducted to evaluate current and future noise levels for communities along the corridor. The many variables that will affect the outcome must be considered whenever modeling is used to assess the impact of a situation.

• The sound is carried due to wind conditions.
• Increased Speed because of the two express lanes proposed.
• The balance of cars and trucks, recognizing an increase in the latter, creates a significant noise impact.
• The impact of stop-go driving and considering variable speed solutions used in Europe.
• Health-related effects on the public.

While the plan to widen I-75 in Estero and down to the Golden Gate exit is worthwhile to improve traffic flow, it cannot be at the expense of significant discomfort to residents living along that corridor. Appendix 2 shows the impact on population growth from the developments along East Corkscrew.

In 2025, there are now just over 20,000 living in that sector, but those figures and future estimates do not consider the Kingston or the FFD developments that could add a further 30,000 to the area. On top of that, Collier County is proposing significant developments in the vicinity.

Two 1,500-acre villages, with the proposed names Corkscrew Grove East and West, will involve about 4,500 homes in each development, adding 20,000 residents to that area. Are these factors being considered? And why, as David Willems Estero’s Director of Public Works questions, wasn’t I-75 widened from Alico Road?

FACT 3. Health Implications.

Traffic noise has been linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and sleep disturbances. A study published in Circulation Research³ found that each 10 dB increase in traffic noise is associated with a 3.2% higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Environmental pollutants and road traffic noise stand out as significant factors contributing to widespread public health issues. It contributes to the development of a diverse range of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic dysregulation, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Although the mechanisms behind these non-auditory health effects remain unclear, the noise reaction model centers on the stress response to noise. When exposed to noise, the body activates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system, producing stress hormones like catecholamines and cortisol.

Prolonged exposure to noise-induced stress results in chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. This review underscores the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in the progression of noise-induced vascular dysfunction, disruption of the circadian rhythm, and accelerated aging⁴.

FACT 4. The Impact of Noise Barriers.

A wall/noise barrier has been shown to reduce traffic noise on a highway significantly. Other options are vegetation berms, which are also highly effective. The problems for those who install them are that they take up more space, require significant maintenance, which can prove costly, are especially vulnerable to storms, and can encourage animals to make their home there, which could be dangerous to traffic.

Noise barriers block the direct path of sound waves from the road to nearby homes or buildings. They work best when:

• The tall wall obstructs the line of sight between the source (vehicles) and the receiver (people).
• It is made of dense, solid materials like concrete, masonry, earth berms, or specially designed panels.

A well-designed noise wall can reduce highway noise by 5 to 10 decibels (dB). A 10 dB reduction is perceived as cutting the noise roughly in half. Combining walls with earth berms or vegetation can improve results, though trees alone are usually insufficient as noise barriers.

Factors that need to be considered to achieve an effective barrier are:

Height: Taller barriers block more noise.

Length: The wall must extend beyond the edges of the noise source area.

Distance: Barriers are most effective when close to the source or the receiver

Numerous studies, including those from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and international transport bodies, have documented the effectiveness of noise barriers. Many modern cities require them near highways, especially in residential zones. Highway noise walls do work, especially when designed and installed correctly. They are a proven method to reduce the impact of traffic noise on nearby communities. Although their effectiveness is good over 500 ft (around 1.5 lengths of a US football field), producing a 5 to 10 dB reduction, this does drop off significantly the further from the barrier homes are situated.

What Are the Next Steps?

Having considered all aspects of the proposed project and the need to be mindful of those individuals who are examining the best course of action, Engage Estero suggests:

HOAs and Gated Communities whose residents have expressed concern about the I-75 development compile a list of those individuals who wish to express their concern and request that remedial noise reduction be implemented in the Estero area and send the list with a cover letter to Nicole Harris, Harris@dot.state.fl.us.

For those HOA’s and Gated Communities within the Village of Estero, write to Mayor Joanne Ribble requesting the Village’s support for an initiative to express concern to FDOT on behalf of Estero’s residents that are most likely to be affected. It may be prudent for those Communities likely to be affected to collect the names and emails of those residents who wish to express their concern and email the composite information to the Mayor.

Engage Estero will also write to Mayor Joanne Ribble, Don Scott, Executive Director of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Carmen Monroy, Senior Transportation Manager, CTS Engineering, on behalf of residents.

For communities outside the Village of Estero, contact your municipality’s elected officials (e.g., Bonita Springs City Council, Unincorporated Lee County Board of County Commissioners).

Urge all concerned residents to attend the upcoming FDOT Public Hearing meeting on Thursday, August 14, 2025 (doors open at 4:30 pm for a 6 pm start) at North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples.

Public Hearing Details and FDOT Contact.

When:
Thursday, August 14, 2025, Open House at 4:30 pm; Formal Presentation at 6:00 pm

Where:
North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34109

All hearing materials, including the Draft Noise Study Report, will be posted online 21 days in advance at www.swflinterstates.com/i75-south-corridor/452544-1

Contact details:

Nicole Harris, PE. FDOT Southwest ConnectTM Project Manager
Nicole.Harris@dot.state.fl.us.

Finally, Signal Your Concern

If you would like to be included in Engage Estero’s list of those who are concerned about the possible increased traffic noise from I-75 following the road widening in Estero from the current 6 lanes to 10 lanes, please write your name, email address, and neighborhood, we will pass on a “collective” note to Nicole Harris the Project Manager at FDOT.

References

1.Planned Expansion of I-75 and Associated Noise Concerns; https://esterotoday.com/planned-i-75-expansion-and-associated-noise-concerns/

2. Civil and Environmental Engineering: MODELLING OF TRAFFIC NOISE ALONG URBAN CORRIDOR: A CASE STUDY OF AMMAN, Mohammad K YOUNES1, *, Ghassan SULEIMAN2, Mohammed F. M. ABUSHAMMALA3, Khaled Al OMARI2,
3. Department of Civil Engineering, Philadelphia University, P.O. Box 19392, Amman, Jordan.
4. Department of Civil Engineering, Aqaba University of Technology,11947, Aqaba, Jordan.
5. Department of Civil Engineering, Middle East College, Knowledge Oasis Muscat, PB No 79, Al

Rusayl 124, Sultanate of Oman.

4. Architecture Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jordan. * Corresponding author: myounes@philadbelphia.edu.jo.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356256253_Modelling_of_Traffic_Noise_Along_Urban_Corridor_A_Case_Study_of_Amman

3. Transportation Noise Pollution and Cardiovascular Health Circulation Research. Thomas Münzel, Michael Molitor, Omar Hahad, Nicole Engelmann, Mathias Basner, Andreas Daiber, and Mette Sørensen. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.123.323584
4. Road traffic noise exposure and its impact on health: evidence from animal and human studies—chronic stress, inflammation, and oxidative stress as key components of the complex downstream pathway underlying noise-induced non-auditory health effects. Springer Nature Link. Review Article. Open access. Published: July 08, 2024. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-024-33973-9

Appendix 2.