FDOT Provides Update on Sanibel Causeway Project Progress

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced significant progress on the Sanibel Causeway project. Traffic has now been shifted to the permanent lanes, marking a critical milestone. However, the causeway islands around the temporary roadway remain an active work zone, closed to public access, including water-based entry.

Here’s a breakdown of the ongoing and upcoming construction activities:

East of the Toll Plaza

1. Traffic Shift on McGregor Boulevard
   • Both directions of traffic are now routed to the south side of McGregor Boulevard, stretching from approximately half a mile past Shell Point Boulevard to west of Port Comfort Road.
   • Westbound motorists heading to Port Comfort can continue straight to make a right turn.
   • This shift facilitates reconstruction of underground pipe crossings on the north side of the road. The one-lane-per-direction setup will remain in place through early 2025.
2. Shoulder Work on McGregor Boulevard
   • The eastbound shoulder (south/beach side) is fully closed as crews finalize shoreline reinforcement work using marine mattresses. Completion is expected by late November.
3. Temporary Lane Closures
   • Daytime lane closures will occur intermittently in both directions from Shell Point Boulevard to Punta Rassa Road to accommodate equipment and material movement.

West of the Toll Plaza

1. Pedestrian Path Delineation
   • Lee County is installing a temporary post-and-rope system to guide pedestrian traffic during the upcoming reconstruction of recreational facilities on the Causeway Islands.
2. Traffic Stops at Staging Area
   • Motorists may experience intermittent traffic stops near the staging area entrance as equipment crosses the road for south-side work near McGregor and the toll plaza.
3. Sheet Pile Installation and Armor Stone Placement
   • Crews are driving sheet piles and placing armor stones near the toll plaza, a process expected to progress in the coming weeks.
4. Roadway Stabilization and Pond Construction
   • Sod installation, grading, and debris removal are ongoing along the Causeway Islands, with construction equipment occasionally entering travel lanes. Contractors aim to minimize disruptions during peak hours.
5. Westbound Merge Adjustments
   • The westbound merge point is located west of the toll plaza. Motorists should observe the 20 mph speed limit and exercise caution as construction vehicles frequently access this area.
6. Off-Island U-Turn Work
   • Construction continues under Span A, where crews are making progress on U-turn improvements.

Important Notices for Motorists and Cyclists

• Oversized vehicles supporting island recovery efforts may slow traffic.
• Cyclists are advised to choose alternative transportation.
• Pedestrians are prohibited on the causeway.
• All motorists must adhere to the posted 20 mph speed limit throughout the work zone.

For detailed project updates, visit FDOT Sanibel Causeway Project Website.