FDOT Emergency Travel Alert: For information on the current situation, please visit the following
page - 
451936-2 Hurricane Ian Sanibel Island Access
Project Details
About
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 project 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: As a part of the Emergency Restoration of the Sanibel Causeway, crews continue work on McGregor Boulevard and the Sanibel Causeway from Port Comfort Road to Sanibel Island. The causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway are an active work zone and are currently closed for public access.
· Beginning Monday, May 15, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., motorists should expect lane shifts through the toll plaza for building and lane repairs. This work is expected to continue for approximately one month, excluding holidays.
· Motorists should expect periodic daytime delays for crews to remove trash from the roadway.
· Crews continue driving sheet pile around the causeway islands and near the toll booth area.
· Crews continue earthwork on the causeway islands.
· Bicyclists are encouraged to utilize another mode of transportation to travel the causeway.
· Pedestrians are not permitted on the Sanibel Causeway.
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. MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED TO OBEY THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 20 MPH. Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway.
