It has come to the Engage Estero management team’s attention that many residents who travel along East Corkscrew Road are extremely concerned about the potential dangers posed by the road works taking place along various stretches of the road.

These concerns particularly relate to the section from Ben Hill Griffin to Bella Terra, which will take place over the next nine weeks. As this section of road is within the Estero Village boundary, residents seek assistance from Estero Village Officials to help minimize these concerns. The points of concern are as follows:

• Merging from 3 lanes to 2 lanes
• Merging from 2 lanes to 1 lane (approaching Phase II)
• School buses and fire rescue vehicles exiting Firehouse Lane
• Left exiting from Wildcat Run to westbound Corkscrew Rd
• Crossover elimination construction just east of Wildcat Run
• Entering and Exiting Wild Blue Blvd and Estero Crossing (Rivercreek) Blvd
• Delays in installing the traffic light at Wild Blue Blvd and Estero Crossing (Rivercreek) Blvd
• Speeding in all sections, especially after the wildlife crossing going eastbound
• Left exiting from The Preserve to westbound Corkscrew Rd
• School bus student pickup and drop-off

Although the construction contractor is required to maintain traffic flow during construction, safety is not evident in the construction zone. The contractor has and will utilize their flaggers when it supports their needs, but not the needs of the greater Estero community.

Residents urge the Village to provide a temporary solution for the next 90 days by requesting increased Lee County Sheriff’s patrols.  Representatives of Engage Estero and the East Corkscrew Alliance (ECA) have spoken to a representative of the Lee County Sheriff’s office and have not received any positive response at this time.

Engage Estero urges the Village to consider this request and act as necessary to ensure the safety of greater Estero citizens and drivers.