Loading Page...

Has the bridge to Sanibel Island reopened?

The Sanibel Causeway opened up to all drivers on Monday morning, which has been a controversial topic for weeks. SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. — Anyone who wants to go to Sanibel Island is now allowed to.



Yes, the Sanibel Causeway bridge has been fully reopened for some time. Following the devastating damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022, the bridge was initially restored for emergency use within weeks, but a permanent, multi-year reconstruction project was required to make it resilient against future storms. As of March 2026, all four lanes of the causeway are open to regular traffic. The project was officially completed in late 2025, and it now features reinforced roadway shoulders, improved drainage, and enhanced "resiliency measures" such as massive rock "rip-rap" to prevent sand erosion during high-surge events. While the bridge is open, you will still see ongoing "beautification" and final landscaping work along the causeway islands. It is important to note that the speed limit is strictly enforced (often 20-35 mph in construction zones), and a toll is still required to cross onto the island, which is now handled entirely through electronic "LeeWay" or "SunPass" transponders—no cash is accepted at the toll plaza.

People Also Ask

General Access to the Sanibel Island Causeway/Bridge The Sanibel Island Bridge is open to the public and accessible to all visitors who wish to explore the island's wonders. Whether you are planning a day trip or an extended stay, you can traverse the bridge without any restrictions.

MORE DETAILS

Note that Sanibel Island sustained significant damage in September 2022 as a result of Hurricane Ian. Though the island is open to the public as of January 2023, local officials are warning visitors that much of the island's attractions and businesses remain closed.

MORE DETAILS

By consensus, the Sanibel City Council supported the decision to end the requirement for reentry passes on January 2, 2023. The City of Sanibel asks that non-residents respect and understand the fact that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian.

MORE DETAILS

A year later, construction continues on the causeway, as it does in Sanibel. Every structure here suffered at least some damage, and much of the community remains displaced. Of some 6,500 residents before the hurricane only 1,500 are back in their homes, and of more than 500 businesses 100 are up and running.

MORE DETAILS

The Sanibel Causeway that once welcomed residents and visitors to the island was also partially destroyed. With no access to the island, residents were left wondering what remained of their properties and hometown. An aerial picture taken on September 30, 2022 shows the collapsed Sanibel Causeway.

MORE DETAILS

The Sanibel Causeway was reopened October 19. Now attention turns to permanent repairs. Superior Construction For the temporary repairs, the focus was on hauling in and dredging back dirt to rebuild the breached causeway islands and then pouring asphalt to restore the road.

MORE DETAILS

How Contractors Rapidly Reopened Sanibel Causeway After Hurricane Ian (Video) Superior Construction in a joint venture with de Moya Group completed emergency repairs of the Sanibel Causeway in 15 days following Hurricane Ian. Superior Construction is no stranger to emergency road and bridge work.

MORE DETAILS

Red Tide. At this time, there is no sign of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, in our area.

MORE DETAILS

By TIFFANY REPECKI - | Oct 2, 2023. It has been one year since Hurricane Ian brought the islands to a halt with its devastating damage and the recovery of the Sanibel-Captiva business community has been a slow one — but it is returning.

MORE DETAILS

At least 13 beaches in the Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva area are already open, and two more parts of Fort Myers Beach are expected to open this month, Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Family Park. We're getting there, Visit Florida CEO Dana Young said about the area's recovery.

MORE DETAILS

The good news is several of the island's establishments – stores, restaurants, and resorts – have reopened. Longtime island favorites 'Tween Waters Island Resort and The Mucky Duck are open. Andy Rosse Lane Beach and Alison Hagerup Beach Park are open as well, with parking payable via the ParkMobile App.

MORE DETAILS

The Island Club's pools were swamped and docks were damaged from Hurricane Ian. Now, through hard work, its doors are open once more.

MORE DETAILS

The FEMA 50% rule is a minimum requirement for participation in the NFIP. It limits the cost of improvements (additions, alterations, and/or repairs) to non-conforming structures to less than 50% of the “market value” of structure prior to the start of work.

MORE DETAILS

Sanibel Island attracts many people who choose to live year-round. It creates a very distinct and passionate local community, making Sanibel more than a vacation destination.

MORE DETAILS

There are no travel restrictions in place. If that changes, we will alert businesses as to the requirements for essential employees. Are the beaches closed? Beaches on Marco Island are open.

MORE DETAILS