Lee Commissioners continue commitment to expanding Burnt Store Road

The Lee Board of County Commissioners continued its commitment to improving Burnt Store Road voting to approve an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation and contribute $2.5 million to advance the design for the widening of the road from Van Buren Parkway north about 5.7 miles.

Improvements to Burnt Store Road have been a Tier 1 transportation priority for the Board. In April 2023, the community celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the project to widen and add amenities to 4.5 miles of Burnt Store Road from Pine Island Road north to Van Buren Parkway. In addition to improving everyday travel for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, the roadway provides an enhanced evacuation route during hurricane season.

The project began in 2015 and expanded the formerly two-lane road to four lanes with a 5-foot sidewalk on the west side, a 10-foot multi-use path on the east side, roadway lighting and a 5-foot on-road bike lane in each direction.

Funding for construction of the widening north of Van Buren has not yet been identified. Lee County and Florida DOT will partner to apply for federal and state grant opportunities.