Big Carlos Pass Bridge Project – Construction Project: The project builds a new bridge over Big Carlos Pass, from Estrellita Drive on Fort Myers Beach to the Lovers Key State Park bayside entrance on Lovers Key. The new bridge will replace the existing moveable bridge over Big Carlos Pass with a fixed span bridge that will provide a vertical navigation clearance of 60 feet. The new bridge will be constructed on the Gulf side of the existing bridge, and 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. A parking area with access to the Lovers Key State Park will be included on the southeast side of the bridge. The project also includes relocation of existing infrastructure for Lee County Utilities and Bonita Springs Utilities.
Boaters are reminded to avoid the construction equipment and the temporary trestle that is in the water. Please use the channel when traveling through Big Carlos Pass.
To contact the bridge tender, please call: 239-955-3973.
TRESSPASSING INTO THE CONSTRUCTION SITE IS DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL. THIS INCLUDES THE BEACH AREA UNDER THE BRIDGE.
Pedestrians and boaters are reminded to please stay out of the work zone.
- Motorists are advised that on Monday, April 1, and Tuesday, April 2, flagging operations will be in place to allow for paving on the east side of the bridge, on the north side of Estero Boulevard.
- Traffic will shift to the temporary road on the north side of Estero Boulevard on Monday, April 8.
- Crews continue driving and installing pile as a part of the construction of the trestle. The contractor will be building the bridge from this temporary trestle. Pile driving will continue through the duration of the project.
- Crews will continue performing earthwork throughout the project area.
- Trolley stops are available at the south entrance to Black Island (Lovers Key Resort) for those traveling to Fort Myers Beach and across the street from Black Island (Lovers Key Resort) for those traveling to Lovers Key and Bonita Springs. Travelers are asked to wait behind the concrete barrier until ready to board the trolley.
- Pedestrians will be directed to use sidewalk on one side of the roadway through the construction area.
Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists are urged to use extra caution when traveling through the work zone as workers and construction vehicles are entering and leaving the roadway. Motorists should expect reduced speeds throughout the project area. Draw bridge will remain in operation during construction and motorists should be prepared to stop. Fishing from the Big Carlos Pass Bridge is restricted due to construction activities.
Estimated completion is summer 2026. Project cost is approximately $90.8 M. The contractor is Superior Construction. For further questions, please visit the project website at https://bigcarlosbridgeproject.com/ or contact Jennifer Dorning by email at Jennifer.Dorning@atkinsrealis.com or by phone at (239) 338-7723.