The Sanibel Causeway, which connects the island to the mainland, and the Matlacha Pass Bridge, which connects nearby Pine Island to the mainland in Cape Coral, were destroyed and will both need rebuilds, Gov.

As of March 2026, the Sanibel Causeway is fully functional and open, following the massive reconstruction efforts necessitated by Hurricane Ian in late 2022. While the bridge was famously severed in multiple places during the storm, emergency repairs restored basic access within weeks, and a permanent, more resilient reconstruction project was completed in 2024. In 2026, the causeway features enhanced sea walls and reinforced spans designed to withstand future storm surges. However, travelers should note that while the bridge itself is stable, some of the "Causeway Islands" (the man-made islands you drive across) may still have ongoing landscaping or minor amenity work as Lee County continues to modernize the recreational facilities. As of this morning, the bridge is operating with a standard 35 MPH speed limit, and the electronic tolling system is fully active for all vehicles entering the island.