Big Carlos Ribbon Cutting is Today

Lee County will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Big Carlos Pass Bridge and the Big Carlos Bridge Artificial Reef this morning at 9:30AM. Beach Talk Radio will be there live to broadcast the event.

The event will happen under the south side of the bridge by Lovers Key State Park, about 2 miles north of New Pass Bridge.

The new bridge includes:
– A new fixed-span bridge with a 60-foot navigation clearance over Big Carlos Pass, replacing the aged bascule bridge.
– One travel lane in each direction.
– Bicycle lanes.
– A 6-foot-wide sidewalk along the north side of Estero Boulevard.
– A 10-foot shared-use path along the south side of Estero Boulevard
– Relocation of existing infrastructure for Lee County Utilities and Bonita Springs Utilities

As a part of the project, sections of the old bridge were repurposed to create the Big Carlos Bridge Artificial Reef. The new reef is made up of more than 2,400 tons of bridge material and is about 4 nautical miles west of Big Carlos Pass. 

This reef immediately creates new habitat for an array of marine organisms, many of which are recreationally and commercially important species. The reef also provides a new destination for anglers and divers to explore.

Construction of the bridge began in summer 2023; the bridge is expected to have a lifespan of 75 years.

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