Making your commute faster? Where toll money goes

You pay the toll every time you drive across the bridges into Cape Coral, but does that money go anywhere to better your commute?

Lee County commissioners on Tuesday are set to sign another 10-year extension on the surplus tolls agreement.

First, that money goes toward any operating expenses for the bridges, then the city and county use the extra money for projects they agree on.

Some of the projects outlined in the new agreement include technological improvements at the toll plazas, replacing the westbound span of the Cape Coral Bridge, finishing the Burnt Store Road widening to the Charlotte County line, and easing congestion at some of the major intersections around both bridges.

“Most of the backup occurs going that way at McGregor because everyone goes that way, so it normally backs up,” said Dan Finn of Cape Coral.

“My wife during the summertime, it’ll take her half an hour to get home from Gulf Coast Hospital and in the wintertime, it takes an hour and a half for her to get home,” said Paul Rachalski of Cape Coral.

Cape Coral and Lee County have agreed to look into whether a third bridge is needed.