LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Making your commute easier and safer — that's what the Florida Department of Transportation set out to do the State Road 82 Widening Project.
The roadway's original design posed many difficulties for drivers and pedestrians as surrounding communities continue to grow.
"It was just two lanes of traffic, one lane in each direction, separated by double yellow lines," said Zachary Burch, Media Relations Manager with FDOT District 1.
The project added four additional car lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian sidewalks, and lighting.
"If you were on a bike or foot, you were either on the road, on the shoulder, or on the grass," said Burch.
But the most notable difference is the continuous flow intersection on SR 82 and Daniels Parkway.
"It's the first CFI in Florida and really is a transformational change not only for that intersection but for the whole corridor," said Burch.
The fifty-five million dollar project was completed nearly a year ago, and since then, it has won several awards for its efficiency.
"That intersection went from where drivers could wait through several signals to get through there, to now little to no delay," said Burch.
The latest award coming for the Southern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO).
"For the past 12 years, we've recognized projects that are making an impact on communities, making them safer," said Tony Dorsey, Media Relations Manager with AASHTO.
The SR 82 Widening Project is among the eight winners out of seventeen that competed in the southern regional competition.
"The SR 82 Project is a hub, it's a central artery for agricultural usage throughout that area," said Dorsey.
If selected as one of the top three best winners in the southern region, this project would go on to compete for the grand national award with America's Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
"It's always nice to be recognized by your peers, by the other states who recognize what this department and what this district have been able to accomplish," said Burch.
