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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
