Lee Commissioners continue commitment for roadway and sidewalk improvements
The Lee Board of County Commissioners continued its commitment to improving local roads and sidewalks with votes for several projects Tuesday, including a roundabout at the intersection of Buckingham and Gunnery roads and improvements on the western end of Colonial Boulevard.
Buckingham
Commissioners awarded a low-bid, $4.8 million contract to V & H Construction, Inc. to construct a new roundabout at the intersection of Buckingham Road and Gunnery Road. The project is partially funded with almost $4.6 million in federal funding. The grant agreement was approved by Commissioners this past September.
The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization commissioned an intersection safety study to identify locations at which roundabouts could be used to address safety and congestion in Lee County. The Buckingham Road/Gunnery Road intersection ranked as the No. 2 intersection appropriate for a new roundabout due to accident history and geometrical constraints. Placement of a roundabout at this intersection will improve safety and create a more conventional intersection design while also calming traffic through the curve on Buckingham Road.
The project includes pedestrian facilities, lighting, landscaping, and drainage/storm water improvements. Construction is expected to start in April and take a year to complete.
Colonial Boulevard
Commissioners awarded a $1.3 million low-bid contract to OHLA USA, Inc. to complete intersection improvements for Colonial Boulevard at Summerlin Road and McGregor Boulevard. The project will add a third left turn lane on northbound Summerlin Road to westbound Colonial Boulevard, including ADA upgrades and modifications to the signal. Also included are modifications to the signal at McGregor and Colonial boulevards. Funding is available in the current adopted budget.
This project includes concrete curbing, asphalt milling, asphalt paving, striping, ADA upgrades to pedestrian crosswalks, landings, signalization improvements and signage. This project is a top Board priority as interim improvements to safety and capacity enhancements along Colonial Boulevard at the Summerlin Road and McGregor Boulevard intersections.
Lee Boulevard/Sunniland Boulevard
Commissioners voted to acquire a 12,197 square-foot parcel for future intersection improvements for $127,000 plus closing costs. The property is located in Lehigh Acres on the south side of Lee Boulevard at the intersection of Sunniland Boulevard. Lee County DOT anticipates the need for a future signal and pedestrian improvements at this location.
Tice Street
The Board voted to accept donation of a drainage easement from The School Board of Lee County at the intersection of Tice Street and Lynneda Avenue in east Fort Myers.
The Department of Transportation is planning to construct a sidewalk facility with drainage improvements along Tice Street, between Palm Beach Boulevard and Ortiz Avenue. The project design necessitates the acquisition of a 50-square-foot drainage easement at the intersection of Tice Street and Lynneda Avenue. The school board has agreed to donate the easement for this project.
Construction of the sidewalk improvements is anticipated to begin this spring.
Orange River Boulevard
The board approved a Supplemental Task Authorization of about $748,000 to the contract with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. to provide Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) services for the Orange River Boulevard sidewalk and water main replacement project. The project will add a sidewalk along Orange River Boulevard from Palm Beach Boulevard to beyond Palm Lane. Construction is expected to begin late this year.
