Is the Sanibel bridge reopened?

By Staff | Jan 3, 2023 The Sanibel Causeway reopened Monday but the city of Sanibel government is asking non-residents to wait a while longer before visiting the storm-damaged island.



Yes, the Sanibel Causeway is fully reopened to the public in 2026. Following the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, which washed away several sections of the bridge and road, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) undertook a massive, multi-phase reconstruction project. While emergency repairs restored basic access within weeks for recovery teams, the permanent, "resilient" redesign of the causeway was completed in Fall 2025. In early 2026, the bridge features restored roadway lanes, permanent lighting, and improved drainage systems designed to better withstand future storm surges. The Causeway Islands Park is also open to residents and visitors for recreation, although motorists are encouraged to remain cautious as crews may still perform minor shoulder work or vegetation maintenance. Pedestrians are generally not permitted on the main bridge span, but cyclists can traverse the causeway with caution.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Though it's smaller than many Florida vacation towns, Sanibel Island has been a place important to many people for generations. With the community's efforts to rebuild, it will continue to be so.

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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.

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

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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.

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There's a $4 charge to drive over the bridge...that's reasonable. We drove down from Ocala to take my niece Janelle out for her birthday lunch in Fort Myers. After lunch Janelle drove us over the causeway to see Sanibel Island.

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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.

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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.

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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