The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced that all lanes of Fort Meyers, Fla.’s Caloosahatchee Bridge are open, a year ahead of its original pedestrian sidewalk project estimate.
Starting last Friday, there is no longer a large sign telling drivers to merge to the left southbound lane.
Work for the project started in early 2024 and intended to improve pedestrian safety by modifying the existing bridge to accommodate an eight-foot sidewalk on the west side of the southbound bridge.
The work included new outside traffic railings, connecting the two bridge decks in the center with a single median barrier and restriping the lanes. The sidewalk connects to existing sidewalks north and south of the bridge structure to create safe access for pedestrians to cross. The bridge lighting system was also replaced with new double arms poles on the new median barrier.
The project prioritizes pedestrian and cyclist safety, connecting downtown Fort Myers and North Fort Myers, according to FDOT.
Construction crews will continue working on-site to complete the sidewalk and other remaining tasks.
Occasional lane closures at night may continue throughout the month and possibly into 2025.
According to FDOT, the remaining work includes installing signs, applying thermoplastic road markings, planting sod, inspecting signals and intelligent transportation systems, and completing and inspecting the bridge lighting.
Source: Florida Department of Transportation, WINK News, Fox 4 News
