Wilson Pigott Bridge set to reopen Thursday

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

The Wilson Pigott Bridge is expected to reopen Thursday, but not in time for the morning rush hour. The bridge is reopening after a 10-day closure for steel deck replacement, with FDOT crews completing final welding through Wednesday evening.

Crews were seen working on the bridge, and the new steel decks have been installed. FDOT also tested the drawbridge as part of the final steps.

During the closure, drivers have faced lengthy detours to Interstate 75 to travel between Lee and Charlotte counties.

“It's not even traffic hour. Come over here around 5. Traffic is solid. Back all the way to 31,” Bob Barker in North Fort Myers said.

Regina Helton, also in North Fort Myers, shared her concerns about the detours on her work commute.

“Am I going to be in a 50-minute travel with the bridge being open, or am I going to be in a two-hour, 15-minute traffic, which is what it took me last week,” Helton said.

With the bridge reopening, a full replacement of the Wilson Pigott Bridge is still scheduled for 2028.

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