Fort Myers drivers to experience changes on Evans Ave.

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Beginning Monday, portions of Evans Avenue are now one-way.

The completed construction is paving the way for a much bigger project connecting all of Lee County.

Now, residents can drive north on Evans Avenue from the new LeeTran headquarters across the Caloosahatchee River, to where it becomes Old 41 in North Fort Ayers.

Driving onto the new part of Evans Avenue can be confusing. You have to enter from Fowler Street which has new turn lanes. A few people went the wrong way Monday, but corrected themselves before crashes occurred.

Road planners say people will grasp the new configuration soon. By year’s end, the overpass, connecting Metro Parkway to Evans Avenue will open. That will give Fort Myers drivers the long-sought-after alternative to all the lights on U.S. 41.

“It should make a big difference,” said Kris Cella, spokesperson for the Metro Connector Project. “I can’t wait to use it.”

Crews even installed a wall to help block traffic noise from affecting nearby neighborhoods. Drivers believe the construction will help the flow of north-south traffic.

“I think it will, especially when they open up the extension into Metro and come right into town,” said resident Fred Morgan II. “I like it. I think it’s going to be a benefit to the community.”

The state is paying $24 million for the construction. The overpass and all the connections should be open between North Fort Myers all the way to San Carlos Park before the end of the year.