Is Sanibel Causeway reopen?

Sanibel Causeway reopens after being damaged by Hurricane Ian. SANIBEL, Fla. — The causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian that links Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland reopened with temporary repairs on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced.



Yes, the Sanibel Causeway is fully reopened to all traffic as of February 2026. Following the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Ian in late 2022, which washed away several sections of the bridge, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) performed a massive reconstruction project. While the bridge was initially reopened with temporary repairs just 15 days after the storm, the permanent, resilient reconstruction project was officially completed in late 2025. This new design includes improved coastal armoring to protect against future storm surges and permanent bridge approaches. While the roadway is open, you may still see minor "finishing" work or utility inspections occurring along the causeway islands, but there are no longer hurricane-related closures or restrictions for residents or visitors traveling between Sanibel Island and the Florida mainland.

People Also Ask

The great news is that many of our favorite Sanibel beaches are now open and ready for visitors! Here's what you need to know about which Sanibel beaches are open.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The goal is to finish that by the end of 2023. The rest of the repairs and Lee County Causeway Island improvement projects will be done sometime in 2024. Right now the price tag is nearly $340 million. It's mostly funded by The Federal Highway Administration, but Lee County is on the hook for about $51 million.

MORE DETAILS

FDOT's proposed timeline for the upgraded Sanibel Causeway is one year. The cumulative cost for this project is just over $285 million. Commissioners plan to seek federal infrastructure funds to pay most of the cost. This would bring Lee County's share of the bill to about $51.6 million.

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

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

Officials also said they had at least 200 households that remained on the island during the storm, with the possibility of multiple people at each home. Those who stayed self-reported after officials asked in the days prior to the storm.

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