FDOT provides update on causeway project
The Florida Department of Transportation reported that 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 closed to public access, including from the water.
Beginning today, 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 two 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. The shoulder (south/beach side) remains fully closed to access. The closure is necessary for crews to excavate and install underground devices (marine mattresses) to reinforce the shoreline. The closure is expected through May. The contractor may intermittently use the lane for materials delivery.
Motorists traveling westbound on McGregor 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 also continue earthwork and debris removal along the causeway islands. Expect construction equipment periodically entering/leaving the travel lanes when necessary. The contractor is limiting the interruption during peak hours.
The westbound merge location is now west of the toll plaza. Motorists are urged to use caution and obey the posted 20 mph speed limit. Construction vehicles and equipment continue to enter/exit the staging area near the 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 causeway.
For more information, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway.