In the absence of any unanticipated delays, the 40 foot corrugated steel barrier installs on south and east side of the main bridge approach in Matlacha is expected to be completed by the end of August, 2023. Crews are presently working 7 days a week.

In the event of a storm similar to hurricane Ian, these barriers are expected minimize or eliminate the possibility of washing out approaches to the bridges once the installs are completed.

Installation of the corrugated steel is essentially a two-step process:

1st -Manitwoc model 1000 is setting and vibrating the sheets in with the use of a vibratory hammer. Model has 100-ton crane with 150’ of boom.

2nd -Link Belt model 238 installs sheet piles with the use of a single action diesel hammer. Model is a 150-ton crane with 140’ of boom.

Similar barriers are being installed to the approaches to the Sanibel bridge.