Project Description:

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, in coordination with Lee County, is reconstructing the Little Pine Island Bridge in Matlacha, Florida. The limits of the Project are County Road 78 (Pine Island Road) from west of Little Pine Island Bridge (Bridge No. 120111) to west of Shoreview Drive. This project was originally planned for 2027, but due to the extent of Hurricane Ian repairs, the timeline was escalated, and the project was procured as an emergency contract pursuant to the State of Florida Governor’s Executive Order No. 22-218, as amended by Executive Order No. 22-219.

The full replacement of the bridge will be accomplished in three phases, bringing enhancements to drainage, utilities, and safety. Additional benefits include reinforcing the bridge structure, improving its resilience against future weather conditions. Upon completion, the bridge will be widened from 35 feet to 53 feet, but will maintain two 11-foot wide lanes. 

*Please see Project Images below for the Little Pine Island Bridge Phasing* 

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) held a public meeting for the Pine Island Causeway and Bridge Reconstruction in Lee County on April 11, 2024. The meeting materials presented are included under the published documents below.

What to expect:

During construction of Phase I, the Little Pine Island Bridge will be reduced to one lane with temporary signalized traffic control. Beginning the night of Monday, June 17, the bridge will be reduced to one lane as a part of the Phase I construction plan. The bridge will remain one lane for the entire duration of Phase I which is targeted to last eight months.

Motorists are asked to exercise caution and reduce their speed while driving through the work zone. The construction schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

For additional information, please see Frequently Asked Questions below in the document section.