Collier Boulevard opens to all four lanes

It was three days ahead of schedule, but most people rejoicing over the opening of Collier Boulevard described the moment as an "at last" exclamation.

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North Collier Boulevard opened to all four lanes Thursday afternoon on Marco Island. Watch »

A flurry of last-minute painting and wiring preceded the opening of Collier Boulevard Thursday afternoon, as it opened just before 2 p.m. to relatively smooth sailing. Residents navigating the roads gave thumbs up out of their car windows as the lanes opened, while some drivers mistakenly waited at traffic lights for other cars to make the four-way stops that defined their commutes for so many months.

"It’s just gonna take a while for people to remember how to drive again," joked City Senior Project Manager Tim Pinter.

He said a few side streets would still have to be marked to simplify the drive along the island’s main artery.

While residents will have smoother sailing in front of them, Marco Island Police Officer Frank Steiger warned that residents would need to be mindful of their speed.

"We understand they’re happy, but they’ve still got to drive the speed limit," he said.

He and other officers would be out enforcing the limit as drivers continue to make the transition, he said.