Major Redesign Underway: Diverging Diamond Interchange Coming to Exit 131 by 2028

The Florida Department of Transportation has started work to convert the Interstate 75 and Daniels Parkway interchange in Lee County into a diverging diamond interchange. Crews broke ground this week.

The work involves rebuilding the interchange into a DDI design. Workers will reconstruct I-75 ramps and build pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. New signals will go up at the ramps, and Daniels Parkway will get fresh pavement.

Lane closures will happen at night. On I-75, workers will shut down lanes between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. when required. Daniels Parkway closures run from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

There's a catch. Lane closures won't happen three hours before, during, or after spring training baseball games at Hammond Stadium and JetBlue Park. Fans can get to games without hitting construction zones.

FDOT asks drivers to stay alert. Watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway. The project wraps up in summer 2028.

A diverging diamond interchange moves traffic to the opposite side of the road before entering or exiting a highway. Conflict points drop. Traffic moves faster at packed exits.

“I think the diverging diamond there is a pretty interesting pattern,” Fort Myers resident Ian Thompson said, according to Gulf Coast News. “It's a little confusing for first-time drivers, but eventually, you do get used to it. I'm kind of glad that we're starting to see more innovative traffic patterns. It's better than just stoplights.”

Exit 131 connects Lee County residents and visitors to key destinations. Daniels Parkway runs east-west through Fort Myers, linking shopping centers, neighborhoods, and spring training facilities.

The three-year timeline makes sense given what needs doing. Ramps get rebuilt. Traffic signals go in. Paths for pedestrians and cyclists appear. Sections of roadway get repaved.

Construction zones stay active through 2028. Plan for delays. Think about alternate routes during rush hour.