When will the Sanibel Causeway restoration be completed?
More than two and a half years after Hurricane Ian, Sanibel Causeway is on the road to complete recovery. The project slated to be finished in 2027.
- The Sanibel Causeway Islands Park, a popular recreation area, is set to reopen in phases starting May 1, pending weather and construction factors.
- Initial amenities will include parking, restrooms, and waste disposal, with further design plans to be finalized within a year.
- The causeway restoration project aims to rebuild the roadway and bridges, restore utilities and drainage, and create resilient recreational areas.
Social media has been buzzing lately about the reopening of the public access areas along the Sanibel Causeway.
Also known as the Causeway Islands Park, the location had been a popular option for people to park their cars, have a picnic and soak in the sunshine. The location was also a favorite for many to watch Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel fireworks on July 4.
But Hurricane Ian changed all of that on Sept. 22, 2022.
Before Ian hit, Causeway Islands Park, which included the beach areas referred to as Island A and Island B, were located along the causeway where it dips to graze the water line. The islands occupied about 10 acres. Island A was closer to the mainland, while Island B was closer to Sanibel Island.
The islands have been off limits as crews have been working on the restoration of the causeway, which connects Sanibel to the mainland (Fort Myers).
That could change very soon and ahead of schedule.
According to Lee County, the first phase of reopening of the Causeway Islands has a target date of May 1, but that is dependent on weather and other factors common in construction projects.
What to know: Reopening of Sanibel’s Causeway Islands
- The project is focused on making a more resilient Causeway and the amenities upon opening will be on-site parking, portable restrooms, and trash and recycling bins.
- The design phase for the additional work is planned to be complete in about a year, weather permitting, and it will be presented for board approval to move to the construction phase.
- Any reference to the number of parking spaces is an estimate at the completion of the project.
- The parking and the plantings are part of the ongoing design phase so that is subject to change.
Did you know?
Only a few months before Hurricane Ian, Lee County was in the process of completing a multi-year, multimillion-dollar project to protect the two beach islands along the causeway from further erosion, creating a more organized parking area and add better restroom access.
Erosion control was a major factor in the decision to commit more than $8 million to the project.
Sanibel Causeway restoration: What to know
Hurricane Ian forever changed the landscape of the Sanibel Causeway, simply because the storm shifted sands from the islands. While the Florida Department of Transportation is looking to reconstruct a more resilient design, the goal of the project is to return the Causeway to the pre-storm condition to the maximum extent possible.
The plan entails building the roadway to standards and specifications, constructing permanent bridge approaches, and restoring drainage, lighting, pavement markings, as well as providing access for utility service along the causeway islands. Support will be given to protect the natural environment from corroding shorelines while meeting the community’s needs such as safe recreational areas for residents and visitors to enjoy the beaches.
The entire project is expected to be completed in 2027.
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