FDOT Emergency Travel Alert: For information on the current situation, please visit the following
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451936-2 Hurricane Ian Sanibel Island Access
Project Details
About
The Sanibel Causeway Emergency Restoration project is nominated for AASHTO’s America’s Transportation Awards. Anyone can vote daily from multiple devices. Please help us to share the importance of this project by using the link below to vote!
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. As crews continue work on the additional armoring of the temporary repairs, FDOT recently completed the design and cost estimates for permanent repairs. Although much of the work completed during the temporary reconstruction will remain, construction has not begun on the permanent reconstruction efforts, pending approval from Lee County officials.
Hurricane Ian forever changed the landscape of the Sanibel Causeway, simply because the storm shifted sands from the islands. While we are looking to reconstruct a more resilient design, the goal of the project is to return the Causeway to the pre-storm condition to the maximum extent possible.
FDOT has devised a scope of work, offering suggestions for permanent repairs regarding aesthetics and functionality of the causeway islands. Lee County will ultimately make the decision on what elements of the proposed design are incorporated into the permanent repairs and FDOT will provide support as needed.
The plan entails building the roadway to standards and specifications, constructing permanent bridge approaches, and restoring drainage, lighting, pavement markings, as well as providing access for utility service along the causeway islands. Support will be 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.
FDOT is proud of the work we have accomplished to restore access to Sanibel Island to first responders, residents, and visitors and we look forward to continuing our work until substantial roadway completion, which is anticipated in late 2023.
Public Involvement
Contact Information
| Communications Team |
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Jennifer Dorning
239-338-7723
Jennifer.Dorning@dot.state.fl.us
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| For Media Inquiries Only |
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fdot-d1comm@dot.state.fl.us
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RoadWatch
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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.
· Beginning on Wednesday, April 24, 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.
