PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is designing improvements to U.S. 41 over the Caloosahatchee River Bridge from First Street to North Key Drive. This project is intended to improve pedestrian safety by modifying the existing bridge to accommodate an eight-foot sidewalk on the west side of the southbound bridge. This will be accomplished by installing new outside traffic railings, connecting the two bridge decks in the center with a single median barrier, and restriping the lanes. The sidewalk will connect to existing sidewalks north and south of the bridge structure to create safe access for pedestrians to cross. Additionally, the current bridge lighting system will be replaced with new double arms poles on the new median barrier.

WHAT TO EXPECT

During construction, motorists should expect single lane daytime closures during off-peak season (mid-April to early December) and single lane nighttime closures during peak season (mid-December to early April). Electronic message boards and other signage will be used to provide alternate routes and estimated travel times. Motorists are asked to exercise caution and reduce their speed while driving through the work zone.

Motorists should expect extended single lane closures during bridge construction for this project except during the following periods:

December 16, 2023, to April 7, 2024

December 14, 2024, to April 27, 2025

December 13, 2025, to April 12, 2026

During the dates mentioned above, no lane closures will take place between the hours of 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Lane closures will be restricted to better accommodate commute times.

FDOT is coordinating with Lee County and the City of Fort Myers Traffic Operations to provide optimal signal timing to ease traffic impacts. 

*** If you would like to receive regular updates on the project, please fill out the comment form with your email address. ***

CONSTRUCTION OPEN HOUSE

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, held a Public Information Construction Open House for US 41 over Caloosahatchee River Bridge in Lee County on March 13, 2024.  All members of the public were invited to attend. 

The department sent notices to all property owners and businesses located within 1,000 feet on either end of the Caloosahatchee Bridge, as well as any other interested groups. For those that were unable to attend in-person, the open house exhibits and materials are available to view in the documents section below.