McGregor Boulevard construction project enters another year

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FORT MYERS, Fla.- A seemingly never-ending utility project is entering its third year, and there are still more years of torn-up roads to come.

The construction is happening along McGregor Boulevard, near the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

There are two projects going on simultaneously. Along some side streets, they’re replacing old water and sewer pipes. Then, under and along McGregor Boulevard, they’re putting in bigger pipes to carry storm water run-off.

It’s going to affect the area for about two more years.

“I’m downright pissed off about this. I wish they’d complete their work in the right sequence!” said resident David Moser.

Moser is fed up with the utility replacement near the estates. He believes the work crews don’t finish one area, before jumping to another.

“Disgusted, very disgusted. We all want to keep our property values up and it’s just a mess,” said Moser.

Fort Myers denies that crews are ‘hop-scotching’ in their work. The  city says there’s just a lot to do in a big area, and that waiting for funding explains some of the intervals in the work.

Crews are replacing plastic pipes that are failing. They’re putting in reinforced concrete pipes as replacements, but it means everyone drives around on dirt, and some have to drive through mud, to go anywhere.

“I dread the rainy season if I’m still going to be loaded with dirt out there,” said Kim Fous.

Later this summer, workers will  tear into a 3 mile stretch of McGregor Boulevard north of Colonial Boulevard. They’ll put in new and bigger storm drains, to carry off rain water.

The state will pay $4.3 million for that project. At times, it will mean reducing McGregor Boulevard to one lane of traffic.

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