UPDATE: FDOT provides update on storm, causeway
UPDATE: At 10 p.m. today, Sept. 26, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) reported that McGregor Boulevard is closed between Port Comfort Road and the Sanibel Toll Plaza. Once the road becomes passable, crews will need to clear debris before opening it to vehicles.
At about 9 p.m., the Lee County Sheriff’s Office reported that Summerlin Road toward the Sanibel Causeway was impassible. Deputies were on scene. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
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UPDATE: At 5:30 p.m. today, Sept. 26, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) reported that water was rising over McGregor Boulevard just east of the toll plaza at the Sanibel Causeway. Tides will continue rising throughout the evening. The FDOT is urging the public to stay home and avoid driving as Hurricane Helene’s inclement weather continues.
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ORIGINAL (Sept. 26, 2024):
At about 8 a.m. today, Sept. 26, the Florida Department of Transportation reported that work on the Sanibel Causeway Emergency Restoration project has been suspended in preparation for Hurricane Helene.
Equipment and barges have been secured and non-essential traffic control devices have been removed. Personnel will be onsite throughout the storm monitoring the project area.
Crews have observed some wave action reaching the roadway this morning. As forecasted, surge is expected to be a factor for the low lying portions of the causeway. If travel is necessary, motorists are urged to use extreme caution when driving to and from Sanibel and Captiva, and when crossing all bridges and driving low-lying roadways throughout the weather event.