FDOT Emergency Travel Alert: For information on the current situation, please visit the following
page - 
451936-2 Hurricane Ian Sanibel Island Access
Roadwatch UpdateProject Details
About
Thank you for helping us to celebrate substantial completion of
the Sanibel Causeway Emergency Restoration and
the opening of Lee County's Punta Rassa Boat Ramp!
Project Information:
On October 5, 2022, the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) contractors mobilized to complete emergency repairs to the Sanibel Causeway. After only six days, the project team was able to expedite repairs and lead a convoy of utility restoration teams and equipment across the Sanibel Causeway. On October 19, just three weeks after Hurricane Ian washed away the land and roadway connecting the mainland to Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and a week ahead of schedule, FDOT opened the bridge to first responders, utility crews, contractors and residents.
The project team put an extraordinary amount of manpower and materials into the project to ensure all road lanes on the causeway were open for the Christmas holidays in 2023 – 15 months after Hurricane Ian had destroyed access to Sanibel. Every member of this project team took great personal pride in getting the roadway open for the 2023 holidays.
This project reconstructed the roadway to standards and specifications, constructed permanent bridge approaches, and restored drainage, lighting, pavement markings, as well as provided access for utility service along the causeway islands. Support has been given to protect the natural environment from corroding shorelines while meeting the community’s needs such as safe recreational areas for residents and visitors to enjoy the beaches. Please click on the links below listed under Proposed Resiliency Measures in the Project Documents section of this page for more information.
Hurricane Ian forever changed the landscape of the Sanibel Causeway, simply because the storm shifted sands from the islands. FDOT reconstructed the Sanibel Causeway using a more resilient design, while returning the Causeway to the pre-storm condition to the maximum extent possible.
Public Involvement
Contact Information
| Communications Team |
|---|
|
Jennifer Dorning
239-338-7723
Jennifer.Dorning@dot.state.fl.us
|
| For Media Inquiries Only |
|
fdot-d1comm@dot.state.fl.us
|
RoadWatch
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Sanibel Causeway Emergency Restoration: Reduced speed limits remain enforced east of the toll plaza. Pedestrians are not permitted on the Sanibel Causeway.
The following work activities above are scheduled to occur, however unforeseen underground conditions and weather may affect this schedule.
The Punta Rassa Boat Ramp is now open to the public with limited amenities, including the ramp, partial docks, parking and restrooms. Lighting work continues at the toll plaza. Crews must utilize the Punta Rassa parking area, reducing the number of boat parking spaces. Please use caution as construction vehicles and crews are present.
The contractor is installing sod and signage east of the toll plaza.
All users are urged to be courteous and pay attention as bicyclists share the road on the Causeway and vehicles are entering and existing at public beach access points of the Causeway Islands Park. Visitors may check www.leegov.com/parks for updates on amenities.
