Sanibel Island Causeway showing signs of coming back one year after Hurricane Ian
Any questions about the horrific power unleashed by Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28, 2022 were answered when word started to spread that parts of iconic Sanibel Causeway had been washed away, cutting off vehicle access to the island from the mainland.
There was a period of time in the aftermath of Ian when the only way to get on Sanibel was by boat.
Temporary repairs were made less than a month after the storm and the causeway was deemed safe for travel.
As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian approaches this week, where does the repair project stand as far as completion? Here is what the Department of Transportation said on Sept. 8:
"The anticipated completion date for the roadway portion of the project is the end of this year. And then basic infrastructure to the Causeway Islands Park and Punta Rassa Boat Ramp will follow. FDOT will still be assisting with the restoration of the infrastructure, but Lee County will be handling the restoration of the amenities."
The News-Press visuals journalist Amanda Inscore spent time around the causeway recently taking photos of the work that is being done. Here is what to know:
What the Sanibel Causeway looked like: September 2022
What the Sanibel Causeway looks like: September 2023
Progress report: What's been happening recently
During the overnight/nighttime hours on Tuesday, Sept. 12, crews shifted the travel lanes on the second causeway island to the temporary roadway. Motorists can expect delays during the overnight hours. This shift was necessary for crews to raise the elevation of the existing road.
Motorists should expect isolated flagging operations on the Causeway. Crews anticipate opening all lanes between the hours of 7-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.
Crews continue driving sheet pile on the causeway islands.
Crews continue constructing the temporary roadway on the causeway island closest to span A. Once vehicles shift to use the temporary road, crews will raise the elevation of the existing, final roadway approximately 2 feet. Vehicles will be shifted back to the existing location once the final roadway is completed.
Motorists should expect numerous dump trucks entering and exiting Punta Rassa. They are delivering armor stone to be used throughout the project.
Motorists should expect periodic daytime delays for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment, and for crews to remove trash from the roadway.
From the DOT:
Oversized vehicles are crossing the causeway to assist with recovery efforts on the island.
Please be patient as travel may be slower than usual.
Bicyclists are encouraged to utilize another mode of transportation to travel the causeway and pedestrians are not permitted on the Sanibel Causeway.
Expect shoulder closures throughout the project.
Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour.
Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway.
For further questions, please contact Jennifer Dorning by email at Jennifer.Dorning@dot.state.fl.us or by phone at (239) 338-7723. Please visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway for additional information."
More photos: Construction work on the Sanibel Causeway after Ian
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: 1 year after Hurricane Ian, Sanibel Island causeway repairs continue
