FAQ’s

• First, Second and Seaboard streets used to be two-way. When were they converted to one-way and why?
  In the late 1980’s, First, Second and Seaboard streets were owned by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). FDOT’s goal in converting these roads to one-way east and westbound pairs was to provide motorists with access to and from downtown as quickly and efficiently as possible.

• When did the City of Fort Myers (City) acquire the roads?
  The City acquired First, Second and Seaboard streets from FDOT in August 2018.

• How long has the City planned to convert First, Second & Seaboard streets back to two-way traffic?
  In 2003, the Duany Downtown Redevelopment Plan recommended converting First, Second, and Seaboard streets from one-way to two-way traffic.

• Why is the City returning to two-way traffic on First, Second and Seaboard streets?
  • Safety for all modes of transportation (vehicles, bicyclist, pedestrians): One-way streets, especially if they have multiple travel lanes, have historically demonstrated higher traffic speeds due to motorists’ ability to pass a slower vehicle, creating unsafe conditions for residential or downtown environments. In contrast, two-way travel creates a sense of friction from opposing traffic and potential left-turn traffic; thereby, reducing travel speeds.

• • Livability/Vibrancy: Two-way streets create an urban environment with slower traffic speeds that support biking opportunities, make it easier to access public gathering spaces, and increases business access and visibility. For those visiting downtown districts for events or entertainment, two-way streets are intuitive and easier to navigate.

• • Convenience: Two-way streets are easier to navigate and lessen the time it takes to arrive at your destination. Motorists will no longer “loop” around one-way streets, but can take the shortest, most direct route to a home or business.

• • Implementation of City’s 2003 Duany Downtown Redevelopment Plan that recommends converting First, Second and Seaboard streets to two-way streets

• • Implementation of the City’s Complete Streets Policies & Guidelines per the 2020 Comprehensive Plan Amendment

The City of Fort Myers is committed to moving towards Complete Streets whenever possible and funding is available. In Phase I of this project, the City is incorporating as many of the below Complete Streets elements within the existing right-of-way and pavement widths as possible.

• What are Complete Streets?
  • Complete Streets are streets for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work (Smart Growth America).
  • The prime considerations of Complete Streets designs are to promote safer and healthier, multimodal travel options. By incorporating bicycle and pedestrian facilities, wider sidewalks, separated bicycle lanes, improved crosswalks and pavement markings, a safer commuting environment is created for all transportation modes.

• Intersections to be modified:
  • First Street & Fowler Street
  • First Street & Park Avenue
  • Second Street & Fowler Street
  • Second Street & Park Avenue
  • Seaboard Street & Michigan Avenue
  • Palm Beach Boulevard & Seaboard Street

• New signing, striping and pavement markings
• New turn lanes, center turn lanes and shared thru/turn lanes at key intersections impacted by the two-way conversion
• New designated bike lanes along First Street
  • Includes shared-use lanes with “Bicycles May Use Full Lane” at key intersections

• Updated & consistent crosswalks at all intersections
• New speed limits, reducing speeds on First, Second & Seaboard streets
• Solar powered radar speed display signs at Billy’s Creek Bridge

The curb line remains in the same location; however, the travel lanes size is reduced to slow travel speeds.  Designated bicycle lanes are added.

• Speed limit reduced to 30 mph. (First Street between Fowler Street and Park Avenue is reduced to 25 mph.)
• Travel lanes reduced from 12-foot lanes to 10-1/2-foot lanes
• 6-1/2-foot designated bicycle lanes in each direction
• Existing sidewalks remain

The curb line remains in the same location; however, the travel lanes size is reduced to slow travel speeds.  Currently, there is not room to include bicycle lanes in this phase of the project. 

• Speed limit reduced to 30 mph. (Second Street between Fowler Street and Park Avenue is reduced to 25 mph.)
• Travel lanes reduced from 11-1/2-foot lanes to 10-1/2-foot lanes
• Existing sidewalks remain

• Will there be crosswalks at or between major intersections in Phase 1?
  • Crosswalks at major intersections will updated using the latest criteria. There are enhanced markings at key intersections and consistent markings placed at each side street. New midblock crossings are not included in this phase of the project.

• What will the width of sidewalks be and will they be on both sides of the street?
  • Most sidewalks will not be changed in Phase I but may change under Phase II. Currently, sidewalks are approximately 5-6 feet wide on both sides of First Street and Second Street; however, there are no sidewalks on Seaboard Street east of Palm Avenue. Also, curb ramps will be introduced at the Fowler Street and Park Avenue intersections as well as any other crosswalks necessary to provide access in compliance with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access requirements.

• How will this project lower speeds on First Street and Second Street?
  • The speed limit is reduced to 30 mph. Solar powered radar speed display signs will be posted at Billy’s Creek Bridge.
  • The installation of radar speed signs will slow cars down by making drivers aware when they are driving at speeds above the posted speed limit.
  • Narrower lanes and two-way traffic create a sense of friction from opposing traffic and potential left-turn traffic.  Also, one-lane of traffic in each direction on both streets removes opportunities for faster passing traffic.

• Will all side streets and driveways have full access to turn left or right?
  • Yes, that is the intention.

• What if I’m not comfortable turning left?
  • You can still turn right.

• How will the two-way traffic conversion help drivers in this area?
  • After the initial period of adjustment, motorists will become more familiar with the new traffic pattern. Two-way traffic is the normal traffic pattern on most streets.  First Street and Second Street will both provide direct ingress and egress access to the Downtown River District. Visitors to the area will not need to circulate around streets and can take a direct route to or from downtown.  The conversion to two-way streets will eliminate the risk of visitors going the wrong direction and/or traveling on neighborhood streets.

• How will slower speeds and two-way traffic affect business?
  • Slowing down traffic and converting to two-way streets increases visibility and direct access to storefronts. This also reduces risks to pedestrians and bicyclists while promoting increased walkability and ride-ability opportunities, which in turn spurs economic development.

• How will this project create safety for neighborhoods within the area during a.m./p.m. peak traffic?
  • Currently, First Street and Second Street have very directional travel demands in the a.m. and p.m. peak traffic periods. This creates a situation of drivers often diverting their routes to cut-through and speed through the local neighborhoods.  Converting these streets to two-way operation will help spread the rush-hour traffic, thereby minimizing cut-through, speeding traffic through these neighborhoods.

• Will emergency vehicles have adequate access?
  • Emergency vehicles will also experience the same benefits of the more direct access routes afforded by two-way operations that motorists will experience.  However, emergency vehicles still take priority over other vehicles and the rules of the road still apply. Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by moving over to the right.

• Will this project help reduce crime?  
  • Studies have shown that converting a one-way pair roadway system to a two-way system result in a reduction in certain types of crimes, particularly lower numbers of theft and robbery.  This is because two-way traffic provides more “eyes on the street” opportunities afforded by both travel directions instead of the more obscure viewing opportunities afforded by travel from one direction.

• Is First Street or Second Street being widened in Phase I or any of the phases?
  • The City is not widening the road in Phase I. Some turn lanes will be added at the intersections without needing to widen the curb line.  Phase II likely will not be widened for vehicle travel but will be re-evaluated after Phase I for potential bicycle/pedestrian improvements.

• How will this conversion limit the miles that drivers are currently traveling?
  • Two-way traffic will provide direct access without drivers needing to “circle around” the one-way streets to get to their destination.  For example, motorist wanting to travel east on First Street toward I-75 can do so now without needing to go west and then circle back around on Second Street.  This can save at least one mile of driving each trip from there and reduces fuel expenses and greenhouse gas emissions.

• How will LeeTran bus routes be affected?
  • LeeTran is currently evaluating how they will change their bus routes as a result of this two-way conversion, which will now allow buses to travel in both directions along First Street and Second Street.

• How much will it cost to convert First Street, Second Street and Seaboard Street to two-way traffic?
  • Construction costs for Phase 1 of the project are approximately $3.1 million.

• When did Phase I construction begin?
  • Phase I construction began in August 2021 and is expected to be completed by mid-June 2022.

• What is Phase II and Phase III and when will they start?
  • Phase II – After First, Second and Seaboard streets are converted to two-way traffic and motorists have found new travel patterns, the City plans to start Phase II of the project.  Phase II will include taking new traffic counts on travel operations, monitoring traffic patterns to ensure the changes accommodate safer operations, and determining what changes are needed to further safety for all users. 

• • Phase III will include evaluations of Bridge Enhancements & Intersections
    • Billy’s Creek Bridge replacement
    • Key intersection enhancements roundabouts vs. signal
    • Additional right-of-way would need to be acquired to make these improvements
    • Timing of Phase III is to be determined

• Who can I contact to get information about the First Street and Second Street Two-Way Conversion project?
  • • For additional information about this project, please visit the project website at CFM2way.com or contact the City’s public information consultant for the project, Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. at 239-337-1071 or toll-free at 1-877-496-1076, or email to info@CFM2way.com.