Final beams set to be added to Big Carlos Pass Bridge

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. —

Crews will start work to install the final beams on the new Big Carlos Pass Bridge overnight, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing project to replace the old drawbridge.

"I've seen some great progress. As far as the bridge's concerned, been around here so long, I kind of felt that the old bridge was great, but the new bridge, it's progress," said seasonal resident Bob Lane.

"This has been nice, and it's been fast," said realtor Carmen Nesbit. "They did things in the middle of the night, so it really never affected anybody, and it's looking good."

The project, which began in 2023, aims to replace the 60-year-old drawbridge that county crews said had reached the end of its lifespan. Jennifer Dorning, the project's public information consultant, said this is a big milestone.

"This is the last little piece that we couldn't do until we remove part of the old bridge. We couldn't get close enough, so now that the old bridge is removed there, we're able to actually get in and put those beams in," Dorning said. "These are the last pieces that will touch down on Fort Myers Beach."

Dorning added that crews are expected to complete the curb, guardrails, and bridge deck by the summer. Nesbit also commented on the benefits of the new bridge, saying, "It's going to be nice that we don't have to wait for boats when they have a big boat go through, so it's a nice bridge, nice view when you're up there too."

The project consultant also mentioned that Lee County crews plan to move the old bridge out to the Gulf tomorrow to create an artificial reef.

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