Jackie Guenther
•6/30/2026
Lee County leaders celebrated the official completion of the new Big Carlos Pass Bridge, a $100 million project designed to replace the old drawbridge and symbolize recovery after Hurricane Ian.
“Well, I think this is a tremendous milestone in our recovery since post-Ian to have this amazing 100 million-plus-dollar bridge structure, which you can see is just a beautiful piece of work as a symbol of recovery and resilience here in Fort Myers Beach in Lee County,” said Commissioner David Mulicka.
The fixed-span bridge, built to last 75 years, stands 60 feet tall, allowing boaters to pass underneath without waiting for openings. While drivers have already been using the bridge, Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting marked the official completion of the project.
“We're back. We're better than before, and there's lots to see and enjoy down here,” Mulicka said.
The bridge was designed with features to accommodate more than just vehicles, including bike lanes, a sidewalk, and a shared-use path to improve safety and accessibility. Additionally, parts of the old bridge were repurposed to support marine life.
“We took the old debris, the old bridge that was here, and the debris from that project and took it out for miles off the coast and created a debris field. A debris field now for the natural habitat will grow fish, and coral will grow there. And habitat will use that; people, commercial people, and tourists use that fishing spot already,” said Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass.
Although the bridge is now open, work in the area is not yet complete. The space under the bridge will remain closed through the summer as Lee County plans to build a parking lot and restrooms to better serve visitors.
County leaders said the project represents an investment not only in transportation but also in the region’s natural resources.
