The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced updates on the ongoing Sanibel Causeway reconstruction project. Traffic has been shifted to the permanent lanes, and the causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway remain an active work zone, closed to public access both on land and from the water. Limited work activities are planned over the holidays, with no additional lane closures currently scheduled.
Scheduled Work Activities
The following updates detail current and upcoming work. Please note that unforeseen underground conditions and weather may affect the schedule.
East of the Toll Plaza
- Westbound Lane Openings:
Two westbound lanes on McGregor Boulevard were scheduled to open on December 20. The underground pipe crossing reconstruction is complete, and paving was set to be finished last week. Traffic on McGregor Boulevard is shifted to the south side of the road, approximately ½ mile from Shell Point Boulevard to west of Port Comfort Road. Westbound traffic heading to Port Comfort should proceed straight before turning right. - Eastbound Lane Closure:
The outside eastbound travel lane of McGregor remains closed from the toll plaza to approximately ¾ mile east. Additionally, the shoulder is fully closed. Crews were scheduled to pave the area last week, with stabilization of the shoulder planned for early 2025. - Temporary Daytime Flagging:
Outside of the holiday period, motorists should expect temporary daytime flagging on McGregor Boulevard (both eastbound and westbound) from Shell Point to Punta Rassa Road for equipment and material movement.
West of the Toll Plaza
- Barrier Wall Removal:
Crews will begin removing the barrier wall along the Causeway Islands in preparation for final asphalt placement. The Causeway Islands Park remains closed to the public. - Pedestrian Traffic Delineation:
Lee County is installing a post-and-rope system to guide pedestrian traffic during the upcoming reconstruction of recreational facilities on the Causeway Islands. - Equipment Movement:
Motorists should expect occasional traffic stops at the staging area entrance as equipment crosses the road with materials. The westbound merge point is located west of the toll plaza, and drivers are reminded to use caution and adhere to the 20 mph speed limit. - Off-Island U-Turn Construction:
Crews are continuing work under Span A to complete the off-island U-turn.
Additional Reminders
- Many oversized vehicles are using the causeway to support island recovery efforts, so travel times may be slower than usual.
- Bicyclists are encouraged to consider alternative transportation options, and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway.
- Motorists should strictly observe the 20 mph speed limit throughout the work zone for safety.
For detailed project information and updates, visit FDOT’s Sanibel Causeway project page.
