Metro Parkway extension soon to be complete

FORT MYERS, Fla.- A construction project more than two decades in the making is in its final stages.

Project managers tell WINK News they’re about 70 percent finished on the Metro Parkway extension that will connect Metro Parkway to Evans Avenue.

Wednesday, some drivers saw a slight change in traffic pattern so workers could get to the middle lanes.

WINK News spoke to the company working on the project who says they plan to be done by fall, giving many drivers a new route in Fort Myers.

“Traffic can be pretty congested at times during the after school hours and after work hours,” said resident Roland Prather.

John Becker lives near the construction and says “41 is always backed up, I mean they say they have rush hours? Well here rush hour is like five times a day! I mean it’s crazy.”

If you live or work in Fort Myers, you’ve likely spent time driving on US 41 or Fowler Street. Many say the roads are congested, especially during rush hour. The project is supposed to alleviate some of that traffic.

Tthe Metro Parkway extension runs parallel to Fowler Street and connects it to US 41 and Evans Avenue. It will give drivers another route from North Fort Myers all the way to Estero.

People who live and work near the project say it will be a positive addition, but it hasn’t been easy dealing with the construction.

“Now that it’s so far along, it’s just changing so much more and it’s a headache because you know a 30 second commute down the road, could take five minutes,” said Laura Shay.

Project managers say they’re asking for people to stay patient and know that they shouldn’t have to deal with the construction for too much longer.