If you’ve been to Fort Myers Beach lately you’ve probably noticed there is a new batch of traffic lights on both sides of the Matanzas Pass Bridge. We contacted the Florida Department of Transportation to find out when the lights will be flipped on.
According to FDOT Public Information Officer Jason Heironimus the traffic signals recently installed near Matanzas Pass are anticipated to be operational by the end of August.
We also asked him when the barrels at the base of the bridge heading onto the island would be removed. Those barrels and some of the lining of San Carlos are causing traffic confusion as you get in the lane to approach the bridge. Heironimus said the barrels “will be removed once the striping is complete for the final configuration across Matanzas Pass, which should be within the next month pending weather.” The barrels on the beach side of the beach will remain in place until all the traffic signals are operational.
Once all the traffic lights are functioning they are all supposed to be in sync to move traffic along more efficiently. There is also a functioning traffic light at Crescent and Estero Boulevard in front of the Margaritaville pool.
And, there is a traffic light at Estero and Old San Carlos Boulevard that was knocked out by Hurricane Ian and is not yet functioning. It’s a town owned light but the town has an agreement with Lee County to maintain it. A county spokesperson told us Thursday that a completion date for that light has not yet been set.
Bridge lights still not working?
When are the lights on the bridge? Going to be lit? They were on for a few nights a month or so ago and now it’s pitch black as you cross the bridge. Are we waiting for another accident?