If you’ve driven East Terry Street recently, you’ve probably noticed the construction getting underway. Big changes are coming to this busy Bonita Springs corridor—and they go well beyond fresh pavement.
The City of Bonita Springs has officially started its East Terry Street Stormwater and Multi-Use Pathway Project, a nearly $18 million investment in better drainage, safer intersections and more connected routes for walking and biking.
Stretching from Old 41 Road east to Bonita Grande Drive, the project will bring improvements along several miles of East Terry Street. The city awarded the $17.82 million construction contract to Quality Enterprises USA in April.
What’s changing along East Terry Street?
The work will address everything from underground drainage to the intersections many of us travel through daily. Planned improvements include:
- New and upgraded stormwater drainage systems
- Improved sidewalks and new multi-use paths
- Roadway and intersection upgrades
- A new roundabout at Morton Avenue
- A new traffic signal at Pinecrest Lane/Southern Pines Drive
- An additional southbound turn lane at Imperial Parkway
- Water and wastewater improvements
- New street lighting and landscaping in portions of the corridor
Together, these changes are intended to reduce flooding and make East Terry easier and safer to navigate, whether you’re behind the wheel, on a bike or on foot.
A new roundabout at Morton Avenue
One of the most noticeable changes will be a new roundabout at East Terry Street and Morton Avenue.
According to the city, high eastbound traffic volumes, rear-end crashes and significant bicycle and pedestrian activity contributed to the decision to redesign this intersection.
For drivers accustomed to the current layout, it will be an adjustment. But the roundabout is intended to address existing safety concerns at a location used by both motorists and people walking and biking.
Farther along the corridor, a new traffic signal at Pinecrest Street/Southern Pines Boulevard and an additional southbound turn lane at Imperial Parkway will bring more changes to familiar intersections.
Better connections for walking and biking
For residents in the neighborhoods surrounding East Terry Street, the sidewalk and pathway improvements could be among the project’s most welcome additions.
The plans include new multi-use paths, sidewalk upgrades and improved pedestrian and bicycle connections near the I-75 overpass. The city has identified the lack of safe connectivity across the I-75 corridor as a key issue the project will address.
These improvements are intended to help close gaps along East Terry, making walking and biking more practical options for nearby residents.
Flood relief is a major priority
While the roundabout and intersection changes will be easy to spot, some of the project’s most important work will happen below ground.
The city received $16.8 million in Community Development Block Grant mitigation funding for the project, with plans focused on reducing flooding, improving drainage and upgrading pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
The drainage work includes enclosed stormwater systems, increased capacity to move water across the roadway and other improvements throughout the corridor.
For anyone who has dealt with standing water along East Terry after a heavy rain, that investment could make a meaningful difference.
Where construction is starting
The project is divided into three main segments:
- Segment 1: Old 41 Road to Imperial Parkway
- Segment 2: Imperial Parkway to the I-75 overpass
- Segment 3: I-75 overpass to Bonita Grande Drive
The first phase is currently affecting the stretch between Imperial Parkway and the I-75 overpass. Drivers traveling through this area should expect construction activity and potential traffic disruptions as work progresses.
What it means for Bonita Springs
East Terry connects neighborhoods, schools and businesses across a busy stretch of Bonita Springs. This project represents a substantial investment in how that corridor functions—from handling heavy rainfall to providing safer places to cross, walk and bike.
Construction will bring some inconvenience along the way. Once completed, though, the improvements are intended to address several longstanding challenges on a road many of us use every day.
We’ll continue following the project and sharing updates as construction moves through each phase.
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