County: Causeway Islands remain closed for holiday
In anticipation of the Independence Day weekend, Lee County is reminding the public that the Causeway Islands Park on the Sanibel Causeway remains closed to watercraft, pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
The causeway islands are an active construction zone. Motorists should use caution and some activities are prohibited while the project is underway.
The project contractor is driving sheet pile — which will be covered as work is completed — to protect the causeway from future storms. The Florida Department of Transportation is coordinating with the county, Federal Highway Administration and permitting agencies for the permanent repairs.
The speed limit has been reduced to 20 mph due to reduced lane and shoulder widths. Bicyclists are encouraged to use another form of transportation over the causeway. Pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway or Causeway Islands at this time. The Causeway Island beaches are not open, so do not plan picnics or stopping on the islands.
Also, the use of non-motorized vessels for windsurfing or kiteboarding is suspended on the Causeway Islands and surrounding waterways. Motorized vessels may not pull up along the shoreline or stop in adjacent channels due to the construction activity.
Lee County created a video for the public on its YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@LeeCountyFLBOCC/videos. Or visit https://youtu.be/sl2oPAgaF3I.
The causeway was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian, which made landfall on Sept. 28. As a part of the FDOT’s Emergency Restoration, crews continue work on McGregor Boulevard and the causeway from Port Comfort Road to Sanibel. For more information, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway.
For holiday weekend water activities and beach days, do not forget to check out Lee County Parks & Recreation’s Hurricane Ian Progress Map to verify which county parks and beaches are open. The county is asking the public to follow safety guidelines and be respectful of one’s neighbors so all park patrons have their best celebrations. For more information, visit www.leegov.com/parks.