Big Carlos Bridge Project Update for week of 4/23/26

Please see below for the next week’s work activities.  Please be aware that the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is authorized to charge trespassers if found in the work zone.

Big Carlos Pass Bridge Project – Construction Project: The project builds a new bridge over Big Carlos Pass, from Estrellita Drive on Fort Myers Beach to the Lovers Key State Park bayside entrance on Lovers Key.  The new bridge replaces the existing moveable bridge over Big Carlos Pass with a fixed span bridge that provides a vertical navigation clearance of 60 feet. The new bridge has been constructed on the Gulf side of the existing bridge, and includes one travel lane in each direction, bicycle lanes, a six-foot-wide sidewalk along the north side of Estero Boulevard, and a 10-foot-wide shared use path along the south side of Estero Boulevard. A parking area with access to the Lovers Key State Park will be included on the southeast side of the bridge.  The project also includes relocation of existing infrastructure for Lee County Utilities and Bonita Springs Utilities.

Boaters are reminded to avoid the construction equipment and the temporary trestle that is in the water.  Mariners are now using the navigational channel under the new bridge.  A temporary clearance gauge is available.

FISHING IS NOT PERMITED FROM
THE BIG CARLOS PASS BRIDGE

• The contractor is performing concrete work throughout the job including installing curb, pedestrian railing, and sidewalk.  Delivery is occurring during times that are favorable for successful pours and within permit requirements.
• Vehicles are now using the newly constructed, fixed-span bridge. LeeTran trolley stops on the east side of the bridge are open for service.  Pedestrian and bicyclist access is limited until the completion of span 1 (closest to Fort Myers Beach).
• Motorists should continue to expect intermittent daytime lane closures with flagging for crews to receive materials and perform utility and bridge work.
• Crews continue construction on the west side of the new bridge. Due to this work, the east entrance of Islands End (south side) is closed. Access will be maintained at the west entrance.
• The contractor continues dismantling the old bridge from the water.
• Pedestrians should follow signs to use the sidewalk on the north side of the bridge.
• Crews will continue performing earthwork and drainage work throughout the project.

TRESPASSING INTO THE CONSTRUCTION SITE IS DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL.  THIS INCLUDES THE BEACH AREA UNDER THE BRIDGE.

Pedestrians and boaters are reminded to please stay out of the work zone.

Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists are urged to use extra caution when traveling through the work zone as workers and construction vehicles are entering and leaving the roadway. Motorists should expect reduced speeds throughout the project area. Fishing is not permitted from the Big Carlos Pass Bridge.

Estimated completion is summer 2026. Project cost is approximately $90.8 M. The contractor is Superior Construction. For further questions, please visit the project website at https://bigcarlosbridgeproject.com/ or contact Jennifer Dorning by email at [email protected] or by phone at (239) 338-7723.  For more information regarding the future parking area on the southeast side of the bridge, visit www.leegov.com/parks and click on the parks project info tool for updates.