FDOT discusses plan to close Caloosahatchee Bridge for construction

Reporter: Claire Galt Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:
Caloosahatchee Bridge
The Caloosahatchee Bridge. Credit: WINK

The Florida Department of Transportation held a news conference regarding the closure of the Caloosahatchee Bridge to speed up a construction project on the bridge.

During the Tuesday conference, FDOT discussed how the 10-week closure can ensure crew safety and allow them to work without interruptions.

FDOT stated the closure is intended to speed up the project. However, it will not be completed in 10 weeks, and drivers can still expect periodic overnight weekend closures and daytime lane closures.

In light of hurricane season, the construction contractor will give a 24-hour notice before removing the barriers and allowing the bridge to become passable if an impending storm approaches Southwest Florida.

First responders will use the same alternative routes as motorists during the closure.

The bridge will close for 10 weeks starting on Friday, May 31, and is expected to reopen on Monday, Aug. 11.

FDOT stated that the Aug. 11 reopening is a hard date and that the decision was made when the area experienced less traffic than usual due to seasonal traffic.

According to FDOT, the project includes pedestrian walkway improvements to U.S. 41 over the Caloosahatchee River Bridge, from First Street to North Key Drive.

According to FDOT, closing the Caloosahatchee River Bridge during these 10 weeks will expedite the project’s completion by up to 18 months.

For more information regarding the project, click here.

Note that the website has not yet updated the new construction schedule.

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