Big Carlos Pass Bridge project prompts nighttime closures, expect delays

The Lee County Department of Transportation announced upcoming nighttime closures for the Big Carlos Pass Bridge.

These closures will occur on Tuesday, Jan. 6, and Friday, Jan. 9, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., allowing crews to set the final bridge beams for Span 1 near Estero Island.

Motorists should expect delays and are advised to find alternative routes during these times. The closures will happen intermittently, with each lasting about 30 minutes.

The work is part of a project to construct a new bridge over Big Carlos Pass, replacing the existing drawbridge with a fixed-span bridge offering 60 feet of vertical navigation clearance.

The new bridge will feature one travel lane in each direction, bicycle lanes, a 6-foot-wide sidewalk on the north side of Estero Boulevard, and a 10-foot-wide shared-use path on the south side. Additionally, there will be a parking area with access to Lovers Key State Park.

The project, which began in Summer 2023, is expected to be completed by Summer 2026 at a cost of about $90.8 million. Superior Construction is the contractor handling the project.