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Lee County MPO adopts 2050 long-range transportation plan after public safety and timing concerns
Summary
The Lee County MPO board unanimously adopted the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan, which narrows projects to a cost-feasible list amid reduced state funding; public speakers urged prioritizing a deteriorating evacuation bridge and faster action on Bayshore Corridor projects.
The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization on Dec. 12 adopted its 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan after staff outlined a scaled back, cost-feasible program driven in part by lower-than-expected state revenues.
Don (MPO staff) told the board the update preserves the plan's goals from 2045 but pares the project list to match funding, noting design and construction for many state and local road projects shifted into later decades. He said the MPO had extensive public engagement, including an online virtual room and more than 300 survey responses.
Public commenters pressed the board to move faster on safety-critical work. Amanda Cochran said the Wilson Pilot Bridge "is 65 years old, well past the 50 year design life" and urged coordination so a planned deck replacement does not coincide with a long-running large event that brings tens of thousands of vehicles. Darius Cochran and Marsha Ellis stressed prolonged delays on Bayshore Corridor and local intersections and asked that safety and existing residents’ needs be reprioritized above longer-term widening projects.
Board members and staff discussed interim safety fixes and funding options, including short-term safety treatments and possible sales-tax scenarios under review. Don noted some projects remain in the cost-feasible list but their construction is not yet funded, and several will require future amendments as grants or additional revenues emerge.
After public comment the board moved to adopt the LRTP by roll-call voice vote.
What’s next: staff will bring the adopted plan’s project list back for any technical edits and will monitor grant and FDOT funding opportunities that could accelerate individual projects.
