Construction work will slow bridge traffic

PHOTO COURTESY LEE COUNTY Aerial view of the middle or "B" span of the Sanibel Causeway. Beginning Thursday, April 12, motorists will use that new span while workmen demolish the old bridge. Expect increased delays getting over the Sanibel Causeway beginning Thursday, April 12, officials said.

That's when the normal four traffic lanes just east of the toll plaza will be reduced to two lanes to allow for construction. Crews are building the new traffic lanes just prior to the new toll plaza.

The right turn lane leading to Punta Rassa, just prior to the toll plaza, will remain. Traffic exiting Punta Rassa will merge into one lane heading back to Fort Myers.

It will take about six weeks for crews to complete the roadwork.

The staging area for night time truck traffic (overweight trucks) waiting to cross the bridges to Sanibel will be relocated to approximately 1000 feet east of their current staging location prior to entering the single lane. This was done so other vehicle traffic won't be blocked.

Middle span ready for cars

Motorists will get their first chance to drive on any of the three new spans of the Sanibel Causeway beginning Thursday, April 12. That's when workers will open the middle or "B" span. It's being opened to allow workers to demolish the old span and complete adjacent seawalls and other work.

Flagmen and signs will be in place to control traffic; however, motorists should expect additional time getting on or off Sanibel Island.

Drivers are also asked to use caution and obey all signs during this brief inconvenience.

Other work

Work continues on the A span which replaces the old drawbridge and C span closest to Sanibel and includes:

+ Installation of approach ramps on the east and west ends of the A span.

+ Placing sub-base material, grading and paving of the roadway on Island A, between spans A and B.

+ Installation of guard rails on the approach road on both ends of the B span.

Upcoming work activities with potential impacts to traffic or bridge operations:

+ Installation of guard rails on the approach road to both ends of the B span.

+ Installation of utilities at both ends of the B span.

+ Grading operations for the roadway west end of span C, Sanibel Island could impact vehicular traffic.

For further information go to www. sanibelcauseway.com. ¦