The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced that traffic has been successfully moved to the permanent lanes on the Sanibel Causeway. The surrounding causeway islands are currently an active work zone and are closed to public access, including access from the water.
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- Protected Birds: Beach-nesting birds are present on the Causeway Islands. Drivers are advised to slow down and stay alert as birds may be flying near the roadway.
- Traffic Interruptions: Expect intermittent traffic stops at the staging area entrance as equipment and materials cross the road for work on the south side of McGregor Boulevard.
- Ongoing Construction: Crews are continuing earthwork and debris removal along the Causeway Islands. Construction equipment will occasionally enter and leave the travel lanes. The contractor aims to minimize interruptions during peak hours.
- Westbound Merge: The westbound merge point is located west of the toll plaza. Drivers should exercise caution and adhere to the 20 mph speed limit. Construction vehicles and equipment are frequently entering and exiting the staging area near this location.
- U-Turn Work: Crews are also working on the off-island U-turn area under Span A.
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- Upcoming Lane Closures: Starting late next week, motorists should expect temporary lane closures as crews prepare for a new McGregor traffic pattern.
- Lane Reductions: Later this summer, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on McGregor for about half a mile near Port Comfort Road. This is to allow crews to reconstruct a pipe crossing. Traffic will shift between the north and south sides as work progresses. Further details will be provided once the schedule is finalized.
- Eastbound Travel: One lane of eastbound travel will remain from the toll plaza to Shell Point Road on the south (beach) side of McGregor. The south/beach shoulder will remain fully closed to allow for the installation of marine mattresses to reinforce the shoreline. This closure will continue through the summer. The contractor may use this lane for materials delivery intermittently.
- Westbound Delays: Westbound motorists on McGregor may experience brief delays as the Florida Highway Patrol stops vehicles to allow materials deliveries to access the staging area at Punta Rassa.
Additional Notes
Many oversized vehicles are using the causeway to aid recovery efforts on the island, leading to slower travel times. Bicyclists are encouraged to find alternative transportation, and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway. Motorists are reminded to obey the posted 20 mph speed limit throughout the work zone.
For more information about the project, visit Sanibel Causeway Project
