On Tuesday, the Lee Board of County Commissioners approved an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for $25 million in federal funds to assist with construction of the Big Carlos Pass Bridge.
Lee County DOT began a Project Development & Environmental Study (PD&E) in 2016. As part of that process, DOT conducted numerous presentations and public meetings to review the alternatives with elected officials and other stakeholders.
The Board has approved a 60-foot Vertical Clearance Fixed-Span Bridge which was determined to be less expensive than to build and maintain than a movable bridge. That alternative was approved back in 2018.
The new bridge will be constructed on the Gulf side of the existing bridge, which will remain open during construction. The roadway configuration will include one travel lane in each direction, bicycle lanes, a six-foot-wide sidewalk along the north side of Estero Boulevard, and a 10-foot-wide shared use path along the south side of Estero Boulevard.
Lee County Department of Transportation plans to start the construction of the Big Carlos Pass Bridge this fiscal year.
Total project costs are an estimated $80.2 million, including the PD&E Study, design, construction inspection and construction.
The current bridge is safe for motorists.
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