Cape Coral Parkway bridge leak worries residents as city plans pipe repairs and shutdowns

A persistent water leak under the Cape Coral Parkway bridge near Santa Barbara Boulevard has left residents frustrated and concerned about potential damage and the city’s delayed response. Mike Foote, who lives near the bridge, said the issue has been ongoing for months. “It’s been ongoing for about three months. And one of the other people living here called the city several times, and, I guess, so far, have done nothing,” Foote said. Foote also expressed concerns about the possible consequences of the leak. “First thing I think of is all the water that’s running under the road. You know, hopefully it’s not eroding something. And we have a sinkhole, but, of course, all that fresh water, it’s costing somebody something,” he said. The City of Cape Coral said staff first learned about the leak last month. Officials explained that the leak was caused by corrosion in an older metal water pipe, with weather wearing away the section of the pipe that sits above ground. David Goetzel, another resident, said he first noticed the water while boating near the bridge and continued to see it weeks later while riding along San Carlos Canal. “And as water is continuing to run like that, it has to be causing a sinkhole or something else. That’s going to be a bigger problem down the road,” Goetzel said. Goetzel said he notified the city, which told him the repairs would be completed within the next month. “And that intersection is a very busy intersection, very long lights. So I can only imagine how bad it’s going to get when they have to tear that all up,” he said. The city classified the issue as a “small leak” and said repairs will involve replacing six valves and the damaged section of the pipe. Officials clarified that the work will require a temporary water-service shutdown affecting multiple businesses, including nearby medical facilities, as well as disruptions to traffic flow. “Staff must carefully schedule the work to minimize disruptions in the area,” the city said. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.