Sanibel Causeway Emergency Restoration:  Crews have moved traffic to the permanent lanes on the Sanibel Causeway.  The causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway are an active work zone and are currently closed for public access, including from the water.    

• Motorists should expect daytime lane closures at the intersection of Punta Rassa Road and McGregor Boulevard for Lee County to repair and install temporary traffic signals.  On island (westbound) lane closures are not anticipated before 10 a.m. and off island (eastbound) lane closures are not anticipated after 3 p.m.  Flagging operations may be required.  The work will last approximately 2 weeks.  Drivers should be aware of overhead work and construction crews within the median and near the travel lanes. 

• Motorists should expect one lane of eastbound travel to continue from the toll plaza to Shell Point Road on the south (beach) side of McGregor Boulevard.  The shoulder (south/beach side) remains FULLY CLOSED TO ACCESS.  This closure is necessary for crews to excavate and install underground devices (marine mattresses) to reinforce the shoreline. This closure is expected to be in place through May 2024.  The contractor may intermittently use this lane for materials delivery. 

• Motorists traveling westbound on McGregor Boulevard may experience short delays for FHP to stop vehicles to allow materials deliveries to access the staging area at Punta Rassa. 

• Crews are installing underground devices (marine mattresses) to reinforce the shoreline, sea wall, and retaining wall along the Causeway.   

• Crews continue earthwork and debris removal along the causeway islands.  Please expect construction equipment periodically entering/leaving the travel lanes when necessary.  The contractor is limiting this interruption during peak hours.   

• The westbound merge location is now west of the toll plaza.  Motorists are urged to use caution and obey the 20 MPH speed limit. Construction vehicles and equipment continue to enter/exit the staging area near this location.   

Many oversized vehicles are crossing the causeway to assist with recovery efforts on the island.  Please be patient as travel may be slower than usual. Bicyclists are encouraged to utilize another mode of transportation to travel the causeway and pedestrians are not permitted on the Sanibel Causeway.  MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED TO OBEY THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 20 MPH THROUGHOUT THE WORK ZONE.   

Sunday, May 5th to Saturday, May 11th: 

There are no nighttime closures planned for this week. 

As part of the Phase I construction plan, the bridge will be reduced to one lane in both northbound and southbound directions for crews to complete this phase of the project. Phase I construction activities are expected to be completed in December 2024.

Electronic message boards will be used to make motorists aware of lane closures and alternate routes that can be used. 

Please note that the work schedule is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

For the safety of the traveling motorists and the construction crews, the bridge will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30. These nighttime closures are necessary for crews to perform bridge work associated with the pedestrian improvements.

As part of the Phase I construction plan, the bridge will be reduced to one lane in both northbound and southbound directions for crews to complete this phase of the project. Phase I construction activities are expected to be completed in December 2024.

Electronic message boards will be used to make motorists aware of lane closures and alternate routes that can be used. 

Please note that the work schedule is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge Permanent Repairs: Construction project:  As part of the Emergency Restoration of the Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge, crews will be working in the project boundaries along CR 78 Pine Island Road from west of Little Pine Island Bridge (Bridge No. 120111) to West of Shoreview Drive.

• UPCOMING: Motorists should expect a nighttime/overnight flagging operation on Thursday, May 23, 2024, as crews relocate barrier wall for the upcoming traffic shift. Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers.
   
• Motorists can expect traffic shifts and flagging operations as crews continue installing utilities throughout the causeway.
   
• Motorists can expect occasional delays due to flagging operations for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment. 
   
• Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway.
   
• Crews are maintaining two-lane traffic on causeway.
   
• Please be alerted to construction equipment in the construction zone. To maintain safety, motorists should find alternate parking areas.
   
• Pedestrians and bicyclists are not permitted within the construction zone.
   
• Noise from construction equipment in the area is to be expected.
   
• Please be patient and plan for additional travel time as it may be slower than usual in the area.
   

For additional information, visit the FDOT project web page at https://www.swflroads.com/project/451937-2 or email at shana.overhulser@dot.state.fl.us