County to test mechanical opening operations of Matlacha Drawbridge this week
Lee County announced today that the first mechanical opening of the Matlacha Drawbridge will occur this week. It will be the first time the bridge has opened since 2022 when Hurricane Ian damaged it.
Pine Island-Matlacha area motorists will see crews testing the drawbridge. The amount of time motorists will wait for the drawbridge to open and close will mirror what would be a normal wait for a vessel to pass through.
Test openings must occur during daylight this week, as this is the first time the bridge has opened in more than three years. Openings are anticipated Tuesday, Feb. 24, through Thursday, Feb. 26.
The testing will include using traffic signals, span openings, raising and lowering traffic arms and barrier gates. Motorists are reminded to pay attention to the traffic signals during the testing period and follow directions of flaggers when present. Motorists are also asked to plan accordingly for travel delays encountered with typical bridge openings.
After the testing period, bridge openings will happen four times daily for a minimum of 60 days. Then the bridge will resume normal operation for requested openings.
All these activities are part of the ongoing Matlacha Drawbridge rehabilitation project.
The county thanks the Pine Island community for its patience as these necessary repairs occur so the hurricane-damaged drawbridge can resume operation for boaters. The bridge is safe for motorists.
The overall project includes repairing and replacing several electrical, mechanical and structural components of the bridge, including repairing the bridge tender structure. The Federal Highway Administration and the State of Florida are funding the construction of the improvements. The county is funding the inspection and engineering work. Learn more here.
Please monitor Lee County DOT’s Roadwatch Update at www.leegov.com/dot/roadwatchupdate for more information.
This drawbridge project is independent of the Florida Department of Transportation project to restore the Little Pine Island Bridge and portions of Pine Island Causeway. Additional information on that project is available here: www.swflroads.com/project/451937-2.
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