Metro Pky. construction completed, new bridge opens Tuesday

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Construction on Metro Parkway between Hanson Road and Winkler Avenue will officially be completed on Tuesday morning.

“When you told me, my first reaction was, ‘Wow! Yes! Finally!'” said Carlos Lopes, owner of Cafe Brazil.

Local business owners in a shopping center near Metro Parkway and Winkler Ave. are thrilled to hear the two-year-long project is coming to an end.

“Since last year sales have been down, down, down because people couldn’t stop,” Lopes explained.

“Hopefully we’re going to have nice, incoming traffic. Everybody’s going to have more space, more room to come and go so we’re very pleased with this news,” said Lourdes Luna, who co-owns Roberto’s Fine Jewelry with her husband.

The $24 million project started back in January of 2013. Since then, the two-lane road has widened into six lanes, there are new sidewalks and bike paths, and even a bridge that connects to Fowler. However, the construction and the changing road patterns have caused a lot of headaches.

“The night business has been tough because they’re working construction sometimes at night, [there are] flashing lights on the road,” said John Moran, owner of Moran’s Bar.

“People couldn’t stop by because of the cones and all that and finally you gave me the good news, it’s coming to an end,” Lopes said.

The bridge, which crosses over the Ten Mile Canal, railroad tracks, and Palm Avenue will officially open on Tuesday morning. The Florida Department of Transportation says this will reduce traffic on both Fowler and U.S. 41.