The Florida Department of Transportation is looking for ways to address congestion issues and the projected increase in traffic at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs. The proposals, estimated to cost about $40 million, are in the project development and environment study phase.
According to FDOT’s existing levels of service, the majority of the intersection has a grade “F” during midday and evening peak periods, with some intersection queues reaching more than 1,100 feet. If the intersection remains as is, the queues of the intersection will be significantly longer by 2050 with the southern part of the intersection anticipated to reach a more than 2,400-foot queue during peak traffic.
There are two build alternatives being considered for this intersection—an enhanced traffic signal and a partial displaced left turn. Both alternatives will require Bonita Beach Road to be widened to six lanes. The first alternative, the enhanced traffic signal, involves widening U.S. 41 from six lanes to eight lanes from Foley Road to the southern end of the Imperial River bridge. At the intersection, the eastbound to northbound and the southbound to eastbound left-turn lanes will increase from two lanes to three lanes each. The westbound to northbound right turn would be increased from one lane to two. These improvements are estimated to reduce vehicle delay by 90 seconds, keeping the 2050 level of service mostly at an “F” grade.
The other alternative, creating a partially displaced left turn, would be similar to the Daniels Parkway and State Road 82 intersection. Left-turn movements onto Bonita Beach Road will be relocated to the other side of the opposing flow of traffic, creating a crossover movement. Approaching Bonita Beach Road will be concrete traffic separators to guide drivers through the crossover intersection. This improvement is projected to create a less than 90-second vehicle delay at the intersection and decrease the number of vehicle crashes.
The displaced left-turn alternative is the better solution, especially for pedestrians, said Jack Freeman, senior principal of traffic consultant company Kittleson & Associates.
“Both alternatives will have the 12-foot shared-use pass through the intersection on U.S. 41 and Bonita Beach Road, so they’re equal in that regard,” Freeman said. “It’s the number of crossing lanes and the length of the crossing that’s unprotected that the eight-lane signal has, whereas you have islands breaking up each of the movements and concrete traffic separates that will allow for that pedestrian refuge. It reduces the amount of conflict that a pedestrian would have when crossing 41.”
FDOT anticipates the study, which was funded in 2020, to be completed by late 2024. The next steps—design, right of way acquisition and construction—are not funded yet. However, if funding is made available, completion could be finished in five years.
