Will they rebuild the Sanibel Causeway?

FDOT is proud of the work we have accomplished to restore access to Sanibel Island to first responders, residents, and visitors and we look forward to continuing our work until substantial roadway completion, which is anticipated in late 2023.



As of 2026, the Sanibel Causeway has already been fully rebuilt and restored following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian in late 2022. The bridge, which serves as the only road connection between the mainland of Florida and Sanibel Island, was a top priority for state and local officials. While an initial temporary repair allowed residents and emergency services back onto the island just weeks after the storm, a multi-year permanent reconstruction project was undertaken to make the causeway more resilient against future storms. By early 2025, the causeway was fully open to the public, and by May 2025, the Sanibel Causeway Islands Park officially reopened, offering 800 free parking spaces and beach access for swimming and shelling. The new design includes enhanced sea walls and modernized drainage systems to protect the structure from storm surges. Travelers can now enjoy seamless access to Sanibel and Captiva islands, which have also made significant progress in their own recovery, with most restaurants, hotels, and natural trails reopened to the public.

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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.

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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 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.

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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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Sanibel Causeway reopens for residents and businesses, with a permanent fix still in the works. An 11 a.m. opening of the rebuilt causeway that links the island and the mainland was announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis at a briefing at the base of the first bridge segment.

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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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An estimated 6,400 people lived in the City of Sanibel as of April 2021, according to the US Census Bureau. The island is also home to a number of hotels and resorts and sees a significant amount of tourists each year.

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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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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.

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At least five sections of the Sanibel Causeway — which connects the barrier islands, including Sanibel and Captiva, to the mainland — were washed away by the storm, Lee County officials said.

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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.

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The City of Sanibel is excited to announce that all public access beach park locations in Sanibel are now open to the public. The city announced on Thursday that the following areas are set to open Friday, June 30: Bayside parking lot at 110 – 153 Periwinkle Way for Lighthouse Beach Park.

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Equipment was brought in by barge, boat and land for the rapid response to repair the Sanibel Causeway. Superior Construction “We flooded the area with as many resources as we could,” Hamrick says.

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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.

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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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