FORT MYERS, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced in a press conference that the Sanibel Causeway is reopening Wednesday afternoon to residents.
This is 10 days ahead of the original date set by the Florida Department of Transportation and two days ahead of the revised date of October 21, 2022.
Governor DeSantis said there were more than 100 crews and 36,000 work hours required to make the repairs.
Damage from Hurricane Ian prevented vehicles from being able to cross the 3-mile-long bridge, delaying the delivery of needed services and supplies to the hard-hit Sanibel community.
FDOT says this will allow residents, business owners, and others to return to the island to begin the recovery process.
With the completion of the temporary emergency repairs to the Sanibel Causeway, FDOT will now work with Lee County on plans for permanent repairs on the causeway.
FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie says barge missions will continue in order to make sure supplies and what is needed gets to the island in a timely manner.
The governor was joined by Senate President-Designate Kathleen Passidomo, FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie, FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue, and Sanibel Island Mayor Holly Smith.
WATCH NOW:Governor DeSantis Sanibel Causeway Reopens
FDOT, in partnership with Lee County, has completed emergency repairs to several other damaged bridges in the Lee County area, including repairs to the Pine Island Bridge in less than three days in addition to Big Carlos Pass, Big Hickory, Little Carlos Pass, and New Pass Bridges.
