Many of the Marco Island residents who attended a public meeting Monday night told Collier County officials and members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that they were against a toll for a new S.S. Jolley Bridge.

The meeting was part of a toll bridge study authorized by the MPO, the organization that prioritizes road projects in the county. The Jolley Bridge project to expand the two lanes to four is high on the MPO’s priority list, second only to the expansion of Davis Boulevard.

Many of the residents said only visitors should pay the price if a toll was mandated. Several noted that a toll would “devastate” workers who cross onto the island to provide services.

“I’m speaking for the employees,” businessman Richard Shanahan said. “The employees are going to pay.”

Photo by Ed Bania

Eagle staff

Don Scott, Collier County Transportation Planning Director, spoke to approximately 100 Marco Island residents Monday night about a toll for the S.S. Jolley Bridge. Scott said a toll is one of several possible options to fund a new four lane bridge.

Citizens noted that the toll costs would eventually be added onto the price of goods and services. Other residents said that traffic would be backed up on Hwy. 951 to Capri Boulevard if a toll booth was constructed.

Don Scott, Collier County Transportation Planning Director, told the attendees that a toll is one possible funding option for a new bridge. He used a $2 fee as an example of a possible toll. Scott added that the project was estimated at $44 million several years ago. The project isn’t expected to begin until at least 10 years from now. The cost would likely increase because of inflation.

Photo by Ed Bania

Eagle staff

About 100 Marco Island residents attended a meeting Monday night about a toll for the S.S. Jolley Bridge.

Cambridge Systematics, a consulting firm hired by the MPO, conducted a survey of drivers for the study. Handouts were given to drivers at the intersection of North Collier Boulevard and Barfield Drive. The forms asked information relating to the sex and income of the drivers and many driving habits and routes.

Many of the people attending Monday night’s meeting said several of the questions were unimportant and an invasion of their privacy.

Scott said another public hearing will be scheduled for July to gather data during the off-season.

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