Nearly four years after Hurricane Ian slammed Southwest Florida, lingering reminders of the catastrophic storm − big and small −are still being addressed.
The traffic signal near Times Square on Fort Myers Beach at Old San Carlos Boulevard and Estero Boulevard becoming fully operational again on July 28 was another significant step in the ongoing efforts to fix what Hurricane Ian broke on Sept. 28, 2022.
Fort Myers Beach was ground zero when the powerful Category 4 Ian clobbered the coast, bringing with it up to 15 feet of storm surge.
The Lee County Department of Transportation announced the completion of the project, which finished ahead of schedule. The estimated completion and re-signalization of the intersection was slated for completion in early fall.
Timeline: Fort Myers Beach traffic signal repair
On March 3 this year the Lee Board of County Commissioners awarded a contract for the traffic signal and related repairs.
The project, which isn’t 100% complete, is covering:
Removing and replacing all wiring
Installing new electrical service and load center
New traffic signal controller assembly
New video detection system
New pedestrian signal assemblies
Refreshed pavement markings
The work incorporates resiliency measures to elevate electrical signal equipment and better protect it from water damage from hurricanes and other storms.
How have the Fort Myers Beach traffic signal repairs been funded?
The low-bid contract for the work was awarded to DPI Experts LLC in the amount of $332,366.
Lee County DOT worked with the federal government for hurricane repairs in order to receive reimbursement so that local taxpayers do not incur all the expenses.
The project is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund.
Note to motorists: Lee DOT encourages drivers to continue to use caution, as they will still see crews working in the area on other items included in the contract.
Mark H. Bickel is the Audience Development Director for The News-Press & Naples Daily News. Reach him by emailing mbickel@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Traffic news: Another Hurricane Ian scar erased on Fort Myers Beach
