MEDIA ADVISORY

FDOT District One to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Caloosahatchee River Bridge and New Sidewalk Project

What:
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the successful completion of construction on the Caloosahatchee River Bridge and new sidewalk project.

When:
Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Where:
Centennial Park Pavilion
2000 West First Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901

Who:

• Florida Senator Jonathan Martin, District 33
• Florida House Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka, District 78
• Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman, District 4
• City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson
• FDOT District One Secretary L.K. Nandam

Details:
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, invites members of the media to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of transformative upgrades to the Caloosahatchee River Bridge. The project, which spans U.S. 41 from First Street to North Key Drive, prioritizes pedestrian and bicyclist safety while fostering economic development and modernizing vital infrastructure.

Highlights of the project include:

• Construction of an eight-foot sidewalk on the west side of the southbound bridge, featuring a concrete barrier for added safety.
• Installation of new outer traffic guardrails and a single median barrier connecting the two bridge decks.
• Lane restriping to optimize traffic flow and accommodate the new pedestrian infrastructure.
• Replacement of the outdated lighting system with energy-efficient LED lighting mounted on double-arm poles along the new median barrier.

This bold project was expedited through a strategic decision to close the bridge for 10 weeks, reducing the timeline by an impressive one year and three months.

Significance:
This project reflects FDOT’s commitment to improving public safety and connectivity. The new sidewalk ensures safer crossings between North Fort Myers and Downtown Fort Myers, providing secure access to key areas such as North Shore Park and Centennial Park. Tragically, two pedestrian fatalities in 2023 underscored the urgent need for these enhancements, sparking community advocacy and decisive action.

Beyond safety, the upgrades are expected to boost economic growth and support revitalization efforts in Fort Myers and surrounding communities.

Media Opportunities:

• Remarks from distinguished guest speakers.
• Ribbon cutting and photo opportunities.
• Interview opportunities with officials and project leaders.

We encourage your coverage of this milestone event that highlights innovation, safety, and community progress.

RSVP:
To confirm attendance or request additional information, please contact Janella Newsome, public information director at C: 863-209-5589 or janella.newsome@dot.state.fl.us.

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The Florida Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities..