Estero council approves River Ranch Road safety work after residents describe speeding, backups

The Village Council voted May 6 to move forward with traffic-calming and safety improvements on River Ranch Road near Estero High School, approving design and future bidding for raised pedestrian crossings, bollards and a dedicated right-turn lane at River Ranch Road and Williams Road.

Steve (village manager) told the council the school district has changed drop-off patterns to keep inbound traffic in the school parking lot and staff installed bollards to keep traffic in proper lanes. "We did all of that under the financial restriction of what I'm able to do," he said, and staff recommended additional work that requires design, permitting and bidding before construction.

Council members asked whether short-term measures would become wasted spending if the long-term solution included roundabouts. Staff said roundabouts are a long-term possibility but not yet designed or funded; the planned improvements represent a lower‑cost interim improvement that should enhance safety now.

During public comment, Spring Ridge resident Patrick Micciari described recurring backups and speeding on River Ranch Road and said the study and proposed measures "will definitely help." He urged greater enforcement of traffic laws to complement the physical changes. Gordon Comstock noted blocked intersections near Corkscrew Road and suggested that reconfiguring turn-lane design could reduce blocking.

After discussion, the council moved and approved the item by roll call. Staff said the project will return to council with construction bids and cost estimates.