What is drive/traffic like from Estero to Fort Myers Downtown? (Tamiami: house, live)

[AsianGal]

Anyone have an idea about the morning drive to work from Estero to Fort Myers downtown area. And then back again around 6pm or later? How is the traffic? What happens if there is an accident on Tamiami Trail? Is there more than one route? Thank you.

[claycassden]

Estero to Downtown on 41 (Tamiami Trail) is probably a 25-30 min drive. Traffic is pretty bad during Tourist Season but you should be fine in the Summer now.

You're going to run into traffic on the way back for sure though around rush hour. Traffic going south is always worse as that's where most people live and they drive north to work.

Your other option is I-75 the highway off to the East. Which is usually faster but they are pretty close really as 75 is farther East and 41 goes right through the heart of everything.

[justNancy]

It depends on what time you leave in the morning. I used to drive from Bonita Beach Road up 41 to Colonial every day. I didn't take I-75, because I lived closer to 41. Also, since I worked on 41, the extra traveling to & from the interstate would add at least 10 miles to my trip. I left my house at 8:45 and it usually took me 35-40 minutes. I rarely ran into a traffic jam, but I didn't drive all the way to downtown Fort Myers, just near the mall.

If you live closer to I-75, you should probably take the interstate, but 41 is a more direct route.

I think the ride south is going to be a little tougher because there are more drivers on the road - people going out to dinner, shopping, etc. I left work around 6:15 and sometimes sat in traffic waiting for an accident to clear. However, most days I drove straight home and it took me about 40 minutes. So, depending on where you are in Estero, it should take you approx 30 minutes to get to the downtown area.

I once had a part-time job in Fort Myers that began at 3:00 and I couldn't drive up 41 at all during that time in season. It was like a parking lot. I tried leaving at 2, but I'd still be late for work. So I had to go to Fort Myers early and hang around for a while. I used to sit and read in Barnes & Noble.

I think as long as you leave your home before the mad rush of shoppers/snowbirds get on the road (for doctor appts or to get their hair done, etc.) you'll be fine. Figure 25 to 30 minutes, but allow 40 to 45 to be safe.

[claycassden]

Yeah, you got to be able to maneuver too. I know girls have a hard time with this sometimes, they like to stay in the lane they have to turn in, or they're just very hesitant drivers. You gotta claim your spot and work them lanes naturally (no craziness, just switch lanes if someone is slow in front of you, and stick to that until it happens again, no need to speed just keep it fluid.)

I used to be a delivery driver so I'm used to this but I can get to Estero from Fort Myers in 15 mins easily (without ever going 10 mph over the speed limit, i usually stick around 5-7 over) but I'm used to the traffic and how to move.

Be very aware if there is any road work being done though, I remember around Estero there is lots of road work that never gets done which always slows things up.