Cape Coral working to solve congestion and safety issues with five new traffic signals

Luis Zambrano, Fort Myers News-Press
·2 min read
Five Traffic Signals signals are coming throughout Cape Coral.
Five Traffic Signals signals are coming throughout Cape Coral.

Del Prado and De Navarra, a Cape Coral intersection that has been plagued bycrashes, is entering its next phase of construction, which will eventually lead to a new traffic light in early 2024.

This intersection is one of five intersections that will get new traffic lights as the city is working to make them safer by addressing traffic congestion problems.

However, some will come sooner than others as only two of them have set dates for 2024.

Here's what we know:

Construction work and delays

The city began work on Del Prado Boulevard and De Navarra in July and is continuing its efforts to bring a traffic signal to this intersection this week and next week.

Officials warn motorists that they may see temporary lane closures and delays between Monday, Nov. 27 to Tuesday, Dec. 5 as crews will complete work on pedestrian ramps and curbing.

The speed limit on Del Prado Boulevard approaching the De Navarra intersection is reduced from 50 mph to 35 mph to ensure the safety of motorists and construction crews.

Left turns onto Del Prado from De Navarra are restricted throughout construction.

From Dec. 4 to Dec. 5, crews will mill the intersection during the day, install vehicle detection loops at night, and repave the intersection.

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Del Prado Boulevard and De Navarra Parkway background:

In January, nearly a hundred residents expressed their frustration to the city council over the lack of a signal at Del Prado Boulevard and De Navarra Parkway.

In the past two years, the Cape Coral Police Department has logged 64 total accidents, with 22 resulting in injuries, at the intersection.

The pleas of the residents were heard by the city and the city unveiled plans to bring a traffic light within 18 months.

Where are the traffic signals going?

The future signals are located at:

  • Chiquita and Embers

  • Santa Barbara and Tropicana;

  • Andalusia and Diplomat

  • Del Prado and De Navarra

  • Del Prado and Averill

None of them have been completed, but two have made it to the design and construction phase.

The traffic signal for Del Prado and De Navarra is anticipated to be completed in early 2024.

Del Prado and Averill's designs are complete, and the traffic signals construction is anticipated to be completed in Summer 2024.

The design contracts for the remaining three signals were approved during the Oct. 18 City Council Meeting.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral traffic signals: five are coming to needed areas