The Caloosahatchee River Bridge in Fort Myers, Fla. is two weeks into a multi-week construction project with eight weeks of closure remaining.
According to a report from News.WGCU.org, project managers said that work accomplished in the past two weeks has advanced the project by an estimated 103 days.
A project update on the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) website this week also said FDOT and Lee County are adjusting traffic signal timings to alleviate congestion over the next two months.
The update said the full bridge closure is crucial for completing the project one year and four months ahead of schedule. During this initial two-week work period, crews have demolished most of the median bridge deck and started replacing it, including the first few concrete pours.
Preparations for guardrail installation on the northbound side of the bridge are underway.
The project has been in planning for years and intends to improve pedestrian safety by modifying the existing bridge to accommodate an eight-foot sidewalk on the west side of the southbound bridge, according to FDOT. This will be accomplished by installing new outside traffic railings, connecting the two bridge decks in the center with a single median barrier, and restriping the lanes.
The sidewalk will connect to existing sidewalks north and south of the bridge structure to create safe access for pedestrians to cross. Additionally, the current bridge lighting system will be replaced with new double arms poles on the new median barrier.
The bridge will remain fully closed until August 11. After this date, the bridge will reopen, with nighttime closures and daytime lane closures as necessary. The first phase is expected to be completed by December 2024.
FODT asks drivers to use the Edison Bridge or the Midpoint bridge as an alternative route.
Source: Swflroads.com, News.WGCU.org, Fox4now.com
