File photo by Nathan Mayberg Lee County government announced a public hearing will be held Jan. 28 as part of the study for replacing the Big Carlos Pass Bridge.

The public is invited to attend an official groundbreaking ceremony for the Big Carlos Pass Bridge replacement at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 15, at the west parking area for Lovers Key State Park, on the south side of the Big Carlos Pass Bridge.

The Big Carlos Pass Bridge connects the south end of Fort Myers Beach to Lover’s Key on Estero Boulevard. The $90.8 million construction contract with Superior Construction Co. Southeast LLC includes:

• A new fixed span bridge with a 60-foot navigation clearance over Big Carlos Pass with a lifespan of 75 years;

• A fishing pier;

• Pedestrian/bicycle-friendly features.

The new bridge will be constructed on the Gulf side of the existing bridge; motorists will continue to have access to the old bridge throughout construction. When completed, it will include one travel lane in each direction, bicycle lanes, a 6-foot-wide sidewalk along the north side of Estero Boulevard and a 10-foot shared use path along the south side of Estero Boulevard. The project also includes relocation of existing infrastructure for Lee County Utilities and Bonita Springs Utilities.

Construction is expected to begin this summer. The construction contract also includes creation of an offshore artificial reef using the old bridge.

The June 15 ceremony will be streamed on Facebook Live. Visit facebook.com/leecountyflbocc. Those who plan to attend in person are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear, as the parking lot is an uneven surface. Parking may be limited; the county encourages carpooling. The location is about 6 miles south of the Matanzas Pass Bridge and 2-plus miles north of the New Pass Bridge.

For more information about the project, click HERE. For more information about the Lee County Department of Transportation, visit leegov.com.

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Source: Lee County Government