Lee Commissioners approve agreement for $25 million in federal funds for Big Carlos Pass Bridge

Fort Myers, FL – The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for $25 million in federal funds to assist with construction of the Big Carlos Pass Bridge.

The replacement of the bridge is a top priority for the Board. Lee County DOT began a Project Development & Environmental Study (PD&E) in 2016. As part of that process, DOT conducted numerous presentations and public meetings to review the alternatives with elected officials and other stakeholders.

The Board approved the recommended 60-foot Vertical Clearance Fixed-Span Bridge alternative on Dec. 18, 2018. The fixed-span bridge is less expensive to build and maintain than a movable bridge.

The new bridge will be constructed on the Gulf side of the existing bridge, which will remain open during construction. The roadway configuration will include 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.

Lee County Department of Transportation plans to start the construction of the Big Carlos Pass Bridge this fiscal year.

Total project costs are an estimated $80.2 million, including the PD&E Study, design, construction inspection and construction.

The current bridge is safe for motorists. The plan for the next bridge is to ensure the bridge can be replaced well in time to continue to ensure safety.

For more information about the project, go to bigcarlosbridgeproject.com.