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Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge Permanent Repairs: Construction project: As part of the Emergency Restoration of the Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge, crews will be working in the project boundaries along CR 78 Pine Island Road from west of Little Pine Island Bridge (Bridge No. 120111) to West of Shoreview Drive.
Phase 1 of construction on Little Pine Island Bridge has begun. The bridge is reduced to one-lane as part of the Phase 1 construction plan. The bridge will remain one-lane through the duration of Phase 1. Temporary signals are placed on both ends of the bridge and variable message signs are in place to alert drivers.
The Little Pine Island bridge has been reduced to a single lane width of 12 feet through the duration of Phase 1.
Motorists can expect occasional lane closures on the causeway for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment as crews perform work on the south side.
Motorists are reminded not to block driveways or entrances and to follow all posted signage throughout the construction zone.
Since the start of construction with the Little Pine Island Bridge, boaters are asked to be aware of construction equipment and erosion control measures that are in place.
Please be alerted to construction equipment in the construction zone. To maintain safety, motorists should find alternate parking areas.
Pedestrians and bicyclists are not permitted within the construction zone.
Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway.
Noise from construction equipment in the area is to be expected.
Please be patient and plan for additional travel time as it may be slower than usual in the area.
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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.
East of the Toll Plaza:
· Motorists should expect temporary daytime lane closures on McGregor Boulevard, both eastbound and westbound from Shell Point Boulevard to Punta Rassa Road. These closures are necessary for crews to clear the median in preparation for the upcoming traffic shift scheduled for August.
· In early August, motorists should expect traffic to be REDUCED TO ONE LANE IN EACH DIRECTON on McGregor Boulevard for approximately a ½ mile from Shell Point Boulevard to west of Port Comfort Road. Traffic will shift to the north while crews work on the south side, and then to the south while they work on the north side while crews reconstruct an underground pipe crossing.
· 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 summer 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.
West of the Toll Plaza:
· Protected beach-nesting birds are currently present on the Causeway islands. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and pay attention as birds may be flying close to the roadway.
· Motorists should expect traffic to be intermittently stopped at the staging area entrance as equipment crosses the road with materials for work on the south side of McGregor Boulevard.
· 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.
· Crews continue work in the area of the off-island U-turn under Span A.
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.