MATLACHA, Fla. – The contractor is taking extra precautions to reinforce the improvements that have been made on the Little Pine Island Bridge and Causeway before Hurricane Milton arrives. Throughout the day today, crews are installing additional protective measures to prevent additional scour at the abutments of the bridge.

Best management practices (BMP) are being used to secure the barge and additional material onsite. FDOT wants to take all possible steps to ensure that the causeway and bridge are operational once the storm passes. 

Temporary signals are still operational. Motorists should follow directions from Lee County Sheriff’s Office and flaggers if present.

The project team, FDOT and LCDOT are working hard to make sure delays are minimal as they are aware that many residents are evacuating.  The contractor is also in the process of securing the barges and other staging equipment so that it is readily available if needed after the storm passes. 

After the storm passes, please expect that the contractor will need time to inspect and clear debris from the roadway before allowing the public to access and cross the causeway and bridge.  Once FDOT determines that the causeway and bridge are safe, the bridge will open to traffic as soon as the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department provide the “all clear” that travel on the island is safe.