A major phase of the $328 million Sanibel Causeway restoration has reached substantial completion, restoring a critical 3-mile stretch of the bridge that links Sanibel Island to mainland Florida.
The causeway, originally opened in 1963, spans San Carlos Bay with three two-lane bridges and artificial islands between them. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian caused severe damage, washing away two ramp sections and part of the roadway.
An emergency team from Superior Construction restored temporary access within 15 days—12 days ahead of schedule—while permanent reconstruction plans were still in progress.
The permanent rebuild was led by a joint venture of Superior Construction and the de Moya Group. It marked the Florida Department of Transportation’s first phased design-build contract, allowing construction and design to progress simultaneously.
The rebuilt segment incorporates significant storm-resilient features, including nearly 750,000 square feet of steel sheet pile wall, 127,996 tons of armor stone, raised seawalls between five and eight feet high and a scour-prevention system with marine mattresses and rip rap.
Crews also placed 19,500 tons of asphalt and installed advanced drainage systems.
These features were tested in 2024, when Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton struck Florida. While unfinished areas saw washouts, completed sections held firm, according to the project team.
The causeway remains a vital emergency and evacuation route for the region.
Source: Yahoo News, Newsbreak
