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New Cape Coral Walmart sparks intersection concerns

Posted at 6:30 PM, Sep 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-27 18:30:42-04

CAPE CORAL, Fla.-- A brand new Walmart is bringing much more than retail to a busy Cape Coral intersection. Shoppers who frequent the store off of Pine Island Rd. and Hibiscus Dr. said it's also causing a traffic concern. 

"The turn it looks dangerous. I'm thinking about actually going east on Pine Island and making a u-turn and coming back up," said customer William Jarratt. 

Jarratt isn't the only one concerned. Another customer, Fred Vitale said he's witnessed several near misses when approaching the intersection.

"It's concerning, very concerning," said Vitale. 

Shoppers said they wish a traffic light could be installed. They believe it would make the intersection safer. 

"They should have when they proposed this Walmart and Goodwill all in one plaza, they should have proposed a light there also," said Vitale.

FDOT said now that the issue has been brought to their attention they plan to conduct a traffic study during season. That way they can test the intersection when a maximum amount of cars will be driving through the area. FDOT also said a light will soon be installed about a 1/2 mile down the road at NE 24th Ave. The department doesn't know whether or not this will change the amount of congestion outside of the new Walmart, but believe it could help at least until the traffic study can be conducted.