GOLDEN GATE PARKWAY FLYOVER OPENED TODAY

Well its here! The long-awaited and project delayed $38 million over-pass at the intersection of Airport-Pulling Road and Golden gate Parkway opened at 6am this morning much to the delight of project managers and county officials. The over-pass was vehemently opposed by not only residents of the Grey Oaks and Bear’s Paw communities, but many Naples City residents as well.

The residents of the Grey Oaks and Bear’s Paw communities feared traffic noise, coupled with what they perceived as an unsightly eyesore monstrosity running in between the two developments on Golden Gate Parkway. The finished product certainly isn’t unsightly at all. As a matter of fact, the county seems to have taken great pains to make it as esthetically pleasing as possible, including brick pavers that cover the sides. As far as the traffic noise, that will most likely be determined during the upcoming season.

The great fear with Naples residents was that the traffic that clogged the intersection at Airport and Golden Gate Parkway for years would just be delivered to the intersection at Golden Gate Parkway and Goodlette-Frank Road faster. Again the real test will come in season, when the snowbirds get back into town. The other issue will be how much of that traffic will try to scoot down side roads through the residential areas, trying to avoid potential delays at that intersection.

I guess time will tell!