No pain, no gain. This applies to so many things in life and for people living on or visiting Marco Island starting this month, it’s a phrase they may want to get used to saying.
The City of Marco Island announced July 1 that “major intersection work” is set to begin at North Barfield Drive and North Collier Boulevard in mid-July. It is estimated the project will last one year.
While that could sound like bad news for some, the good news this is an intersection, according to the release, that is considered the most deficient intersection on Marco Island.
During peak hours, southbound traffic frequently backs up from this location to the north side of the Jolley Bridge, and northbound traffic experiences similar congestion extending to East Elkcam Circle.
This intersection presents significant traffic management concerns for residents, school transportation, visitors, and emergency response vehicles, the release said.
Most importantly, the press release said, it is a key route for Marco Island residents during emergencyevacuations.
The existing configuration lacks adequate turn lane queue lengths and dedicated lanesto manage traffic flow efficiently. To address these issues, the City developed plans for intersection improvements, which were advertised for competitive bidding as part of a capital improvement project approved by City Council in the fiscal year 2024 and 2025 budgets.
Marco Island intersection project: What to know
Marco Island intersection project: Phase One
The first part of the project will focus on replacing underground water and sewer lines and will be done during the day Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm beginning July 14th.
One lane will be closed on Collier Blvd. southbound during the first phase of the project.
Marco Island intersection project: Phase Two
The second phase will be roadway work consisting of median demolition, curbs, milling, compaction, and paving. This second part will be done at night later this year, preferably beginning in late November.
More information and questions:
Questions about this project can be directed to Public Works at 239-389-3992 or by emailing publicworks@cityofmarcoisland.com. As the project progresses, the City will provide updates to the community on the timeline and next steps.
From the press release: “We recognize this will be a difficult project as most residents and visitors traverse this main intersection, but once completed, it will improve traffic flow and safety significantly. We appreciate your patience and ask drivers to plan for delays and drive with caution in the work area.”
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Traffic Talk: Fixing Marco Island’s ‘most deficient’ intersection will take a year
Reporting by Mark H. Bickel, Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
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