If you’ve driven East Terry Street recently, you’ve probably noticed that a major project is finally getting underway.
Construction has officially started on the City of Bonita Springs’ East Terry Street Stormwater and Multi-Use Pathway Project, a major overhaul stretching from Old 41 Road all the way east to Bonita Grande Drive, and this is much more than a road resurfacing project.
The nearly $18 million project is designed to address flooding and drainage issues while also making one of Bonita Springs’ busiest east-west corridors safer and more accessible for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The city awarded the construction contract to Quality Enterprises USA for $17.82 million in April.
What exactly is being changed?
The project covers several miles of East Terry Street, with improvements planned throughout the corridor.
Among the biggest changes are:
● New and improved stormwater drainage infrastructure
● Sidewalk improvements
● New multi-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists
● Roadway and intersection improvements
● New traffic signals
● A new roundabout at Morton Avenue
● Additional turn-lane capacity at Imperial Parkway
● Water and wastewater improvements
● New street lighting and landscaping in portions of the project
The city says the project is intended to provide flood relief, improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and make several intersections safer.
A new roundabout is coming to Morton Avenue
One of the most noticeable changes for drivers will be the new roundabout planned at East Terry Street and Morton Avenue.
According to the city, the intersection was selected for the roundabout because of high eastbound traffic volumes, rear-end crashes and significant bicycle and pedestrian activity.
So while roundabouts can take some getting used to, this one is being designed in part to address an existing safety problem rather than simply change the intersection for the sake of it.
A new traffic signal is also coming
Another major improvement will be a new traffic signal at Pinecrest Street/Southern Pines Boulevard and East Terry Street.
There will also be an additional southbound turn lane at Imperial Parkway and East Terry Street, which should help accommodate traffic entering the corridor from Imperial Parkway.
Better options for walking and biking
One of the more interesting aspects of the project is that the city isn’t simply rebuilding the roadway.
The project will add and improve sidewalks and multi-use paths, including pedestrian and bicycle improvements near the I-75 overpass.
The city specifically identifies the lack of safe connectivity across the I-75 corridor as one of the issues the project is intended to address.
That could eventually make a noticeable difference for people who live in the neighborhoods surrounding East Terry but don’t want to rely entirely on a vehicle to get around.
What about the flooding?
Stormwater is actually one of the primary reasons for the project.
The city received $16.8 million in Community Development Block Grant mitigation funding for the project, with the original plan specifically focused on improving drainage, reducing flooding and upgrading the corridor’s pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
The project includes enclosed stormwater systems, improved cross-drainage capacity and other drainage improvements along the corridor.
For residents who have dealt with standing water and drainage problems after heavy rain, that may ultimately be one of the most important parts of the entire project.
Construction will happen in phases
The East Terry corridor has been divided into three major 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 of construction is currently affecting the area between Imperial Parkway and the I-75 overpass, so drivers in that section should expect construction activity and potential traffic impacts.
The city originally anticipated construction beginning during the winter of 2025/26, and the project has now moved into the construction phase.
It’s another piece of Bonita’s growing transportation network
East Terry is becoming increasingly important as Bonita Springs continues to grow.
The corridor connects Old 41 with Bonita Grande Drive and provides access to neighborhoods, businesses, schools and Interstate 75. The city has also been working on broader transportation and mobility improvements throughout Bonita Springs.
For residents, that means there will probably be some frustration while the work is underway—but the finished project should look very different from the East Terry Street many of us are used to driving today.
If you’ve noticed the construction and wondered what was actually happening, now you know: Bonita is essentially rebuilding and modernizing a major east-west corridor from Old 41 to Bonita Grande Drive.
And when the work is finished, East Terry should have better drainage, safer intersections, improved pedestrian and bicycle connections, and several significant roadway upgrades.
We’ll keep an eye on the project as construction moves through the different phases.
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