Traffic delays cause headaches on Fort Myers Beach

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.- Two projects on both ends of the island are causing traffic nightmares on Fort Myers Beach.

Drivers on Estero Boulevard are experiencing major backups. So, how is this impacting first responders trying to get to you in an emergency?

“We haven’t run into any problems yet. So far, so good,” said firefighter Daniel Miller.

Drivers are being forced to wait as the two simultaneous construction projects are slowing down the commute. On the north end of Fort Myers beach, the waterline replacement project is underway while a power line replacement project takes place on the south end.

“The traffic is a little bit more than season, it’s moving a lot slower in season,” said Miller.

First responders say while the work may slow them down, there is a plan in place to help them get to calls in a timely way. On Friday, contruction workers stopped drivers to aid first responders in getting through the traffic.

“If we do get a job that comes through here, we will notify them. They will shut down the construction area and the construction crews have been notified if they hear sirens, to stop what they are doing and let us through,” said Miller.