Wilson Pigott Bridge construction brings traffic delays and detours

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Construction on the Wilson Pigott Bridge in Lee County has led to heavy traffic, detours, and frustration for drivers as crews work to complete a new grid deck within the 10-day construction period.

Residents and travelers have been rerouting through alternate paths, with some drivers turning around on the south side of the bridge and others attempting to cross despite closure signs. Randy Ralston, a lifelong Southwest Florida resident, shared his thoughts on the situation.

“Two hours. At least two hours. It's flowing back. You know, as far as I'm concerned. The planning of that bridge is something they should have done a long time ago,” Ralston said.

Ralston described the traffic as the worst he has ever seen in the area.

Kevin Johnston, a resident of Babcock Ranch, explained how the detours have impacted his travel.

“We're just coming out of season, obviously. So, 31 has been packed. Packed for a long number of weeks and months here. All the big trucks are being forced to not be able to come across the bridge as they prepare. And now that it's shut down, we have to go all the way to Alva. And we're coming to the boat house today, which is usually about a five-minute drive. It's taking us 35 minutes, so it's going to be an interesting ten days,” Johnston said.

State Road 31 traffic is being redirected to Interstate 75 to cross the Caloosahatchee River during the construction period. Johnston also expressed skepticism about the timeline for the upgrades.

“It's really, really busy right now, which is interesting. I can't believe they're going to do what they have to do in only 10 days. I thought it was going to be a month or so, which would have been really difficult for everybody,” Johnston said.

Construction workers have been working throughout the day to complete the upgrades, which aim to improve safety on the bridge.

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