If you live anywhere near Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers, you’ve probably heard the buzz—major road improvements are on the way, and they’re going to reshape how we move through this busy corridor. Two massive infrastructure projects are set to reshape this corridor over the next few years—the Three Oaks Parkway Extension and the Daniels Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at I-75.
These are full-scale redesigns of how people move through one of the busiest parts of Lee County. And if you live, work, shop, or commute near Daniels, it’s going to affect your day-to-day.
Let’s break it down—what’s coming, who it impacts, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve. If you’ve driven the stretch of Ft Myers Daniels Pkwy between I-75 and Gateway lately, you know this area is already feeling the strain of growth.
Project #1: The Three Oaks Parkway Extension
This is a two-phase project that connects Alico Road to Daniels Parkway, creating a new north-south route parallel to I-75. The county says it’ll relieve congestion, improve evacuation routes, and make travel through south Lee County faster and safer.
- Phase 1: Runs from Alico Road to Indian Pony Drive. Already under construction with a bridge over Fiddlesticks Canal. Estimated completion: late 2025.
- Phase 2: Connects Three Oaks to Daniels Parkway at Fiddlesticks Boulevard and widens Daniels from six to eight lanes. Construction begins in 2025 and runs through 2027.
If you live in or near Fiddlesticks Country Club, Olde Hickory Golf and Country Club, Legends Golf & Country Club, or The Club at Renaissance, you’ll be seeing major changes right outside your neighborhood. Residents of The Club at Renaissance should also be aware: Phase 2 includes new signals and expanded lanes right at the community’s entrance on Daniels Parkway.
Project #2: The Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Daniels Pkwy & I-75
The second project is a redesign of the Daniels Parkway interchange at I-75. If you’ve ever sat in traffic trying to get on or off the highway during rush hour—especially during spring training or peak snowbird season—you know why this is happening.
- Construction starts late 2025 and will take about two years.
- The new DDI will shift traffic briefly to the left side of the road to eliminate left turns across oncoming traffic. That means fewer conflict points, shorter light cycles, and better flow.
- The goal: reduce backups and make merging onto I-75 a whole lot smoother.
This project will affect anyone who commutes via Daniels. In addition to the neighborhoods impacted west of I-75, neighborhoods to the east—like Gateway, Timber Creek, Arborwood Preserve, and Bridgetown at The Plantation—will also experience changes as traffic patterns shift during and after construction. With both projects overlapping in timing and geography, the next two years might feel a bit like growing pains—uncomfortable at times, but a clear sign that something important is developing. Kind of like growing pains—the temporary disruptions may slow things down, but they’re a sign that the community is stretching to meet the future. When it’s all said and done, these improvements are expected to deliver smoother commutes, stronger infrastructure, and a more connected Lee County—making the challenges along the way feel worth it.
Thinking of buying of selling near the Daniels Parkway? Here’s 3 Questions to Ask!
Want to learn more about how this kind of design works in practice? We wrote about the DDI at Colonial Boulevard and how traffic flow has improved since it opened. You can also check out this quick video explainer on how a Diverging Diamond Interchange works for a helpful visual.
So What Does This Mean for Everyday Life in Ft Myers?
If you’re one of the many drivers who already deal with heavy traffic on Daniels Parkway, that’s about to get even heavier—at least temporarily. Construction means lane closures, noise, detours, and the occasional “I thought this would only take 10 minutes” kind of delay.
These road changes affect how people live. The areas surrounding Daniels Parkway—especially within the 33912 zip code—were originally developed with smaller-scale roads and less traffic in mind. Residents have voiced concerns about increased traffic and noise.
Some local businesses, especially those along Fiddlesticks Boulevard or with frontage along Daniels Parkway near the construction zones, are preparing for disruptions—and hoping the long-term boost in traffic helps more than it hurts.
And while the next couple of years may test our patience, it’s also an opportunity to see what thoughtful planning can deliver when we give it time to take shape. The dust, detours, and delays won’t last forever.
The Big Picture: Progress You Can Prepare For
If you’re buying or selling in this corridor, timing matters. So does having the full picture.
Both projects aim to make Lee County’s roadways safer and more efficient. For now, the key is understanding what’s happening, how it affects your neighborhood, and what steps you can take to avoid surprises.
At Worthington Realty, we’re tracking these projects closely because we live here too. We drive these roads, know these neighborhoods well, and help our clients plan moves around what’s happening next.
If you’re curious how this might shape your plans—whether you’re staying put, thinking about a move, or just want to stay informed—we’re here to help. We’re keeping an eye on how these changes could impact each neighborhood, and we’d be glad to share what we know so far.
Contact us anytime if you’d like to talk about how these updates could shape life in your neighborhood.
