Water main work starting on Fort Myers Beach

A major construction project started on Fort Myers Beach. Crews are replacing old water lines, but the work means drivers and businesses will face some headaches.

The first step is to restripe the road. That is happening between Crescent Street and Lovers Lane right here along Estero Boulevard and drivers will see the traffic pattern change.

“I think we are ready, we have been anticipating it,” said Jennifer Borrow, Manager of the Salty Crab.

You may have noticed this sign greeting you as you head on Fort Myers Beach. Old water lines are being replaced with a new water main system.

“It’s the best time to do it, we agree there, but it’s still going to hurt either way,” said Jason Unger, Co-Owner of the Dog House.

But, the switch to a better system can pose some problems for beach businesses like traffic changes, water shut off’s and boil water notices.

“The biggest concern with doing the water lines is our pipes are old and they warned us our pipes could burst when they switch us over to new water,” said Borrow.

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce has stepped in to help.

“We are going to have to go to canned soda,” said Unger.

The chamber is giving ice and water to businesses that signed up for the service. Both the Dog House and The Salty Crab say they expect their water to be shut off at some point.

“We need a lot of water, fresh water, and that’s going to take a lot of time to boil that water so we will take advantage of what they help us with.”

“We are hoping people will stick it out with us.”

The restriping will be tonight and tomorrow from 6 p.m. To 6 a.m. This is being done in conjunction with the project to widen Estero Boulevard. That work will start in September.