Ever since the Florida Department of Transportation began working on the Matanzas Pass Bridge earlier this month, traffic has been backing up on Estero Boulevard south, in some cases for miles. The Mayor and Town Manager Andy Hyatt want this addressed before season kicks in.
FDOT has not only made the Matanzas Pass Bridge one lane on and one lane off, eliminating the bus/bike lane coming onto the bridge as they work on expanding the walkover, they have closed off a portion of Estero Boulevard at the base of the bridge. That forces all exiting traffic to Crescent street to leave the beach. On days Margaritaville is backed up checking in guests, traffic backs up onto Estero Boulevard. Let’s also not forget how badly Crescent floods during a heavy rain. We’ve witnessed first-hand how vehicles stall in deep water during a storm.
FDOT says this current traffic pattern will remain in place through the Spring of 2025.
At the meeting, Mayor Allers emphasized how important having a working traffic pattern is not only vital now, but especially when the population balloons to tens of thousands of people during season. “FDOT was very receptive to our concerns,” Allers told Beach Talk Radio after the meeting. “They are taking this very seriously. They are going to take a look at what they can do.” The town has also offered FDOT town parking spaces for their workers if that helps the situation at all.
This week crews were adding barriers to the bridge for pedestrians and bikers and they were demolishing and removing the triangular median at the base of the bridge (see picture below). 
In a letter to a local resident, Project Manager Chris Speese said, “Please be assured that FDOT is actively working with the Town of Fort Myers Beach staff to address these traffic issues where possible. Our construction personnel are evaluating various strategies to mitigate the impact on local traffic and improve flow during peak times. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to enhance this section of SR 865. Please feel free to contact me or Katelyn Carmona, Community Outreach Specialist (239-744-9192 or Katelyn.Carmona@dot.state.fl.us if you have any questions.”
We reached out to Carmona first thing Thursday morning to inquire what the FDOT fix would be moving forward. She never responded.
The entire project is expected to take 18 months and cost approximately $10 million. Get more details about the project from our previous coverage HERE.
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