The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced a major milestone in the ongoing Sanibel Causeway restoration project — traffic has now been shifted to the permanent travel lanes. While this is a key step forward, work continues across multiple areas of the project, and the causeway islands remain an active construction zone with no public access, including from the water.
Current and Upcoming Work Activity
FDOT has outlined specific work zones and what motorists can expect. Please note that schedules are subject to change due to weather and underground conditions.
East of the Toll Plaza (Toward Fort Myers)
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Daytime Lane Closures
Expect intermittent eastbound and westbound lane closures between Port Comfort Road and Punta Rassa Road for sod installation. Eastbound closures will occur after peak morning hours. -
Shoulder Closures on McGregor Boulevard
The shoulder remains closed from the toll plaza to about ¾ mile east. Completion is anticipated later this month. -
Intermittent Flagging on McGregor Boulevard
Expect daytime flagging in both directions between Shell Point Boulevard and Punta Rassa as crews move equipment and materials.
West of the Toll Plaza (Toward Sanibel)
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Overnight Work (7 p.m. – 6 a.m.)
Nighttime work will continue with single-lane closures and flagging operations for:-
Bridge approach work
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Bridge rail installation
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Concrete railing painting
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Daytime Intermittent Flagging
Drivers may experience flagging delays during the day as crews complete tasks such as:-
Installing new signage
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Installing lighting fixtures
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Lane shifts near the toll plaza as needed to manage traffic flow
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Causeway Islands and Park Access
The contractor is preparing the recreational areas of the causeway for a future reopening and transferring materials to Lee County. Causeway Islands Park remains closed to the public.
Travel Advisory
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Expect slower traffic due to increased oversized vehicles supporting recovery operations.
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Pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway.
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Bicyclists are strongly encouraged to use alternative transportation.
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Please obey the posted 20 mph speed limit in all work zones for everyone’s safety.
For detailed project updates, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway