Intermittent Lane Closures for Matlacha Drawbridge

Submitted by Publisher on

Intermittent lane closures on the Matlacha drawbridge for two days in late January

Project to repair hurricane-damaged bridge continues

Fort Myers, FL, Jan. 16, 2026 – The Lee County Department of Transportation asks motorists in the Pine Island-Matlacha area to use caution Wednesday, Jan. 28, and Thursday, Jan. 29, as intermittent lane closures occur on the Matlacha Drawbridge.

The intermittent, single-lane closures are anticipated from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. A flagging operation will ensure that emergency vehicles will be given priority and that traffic can continue to move throughout the daytime work. The drawbridge will not be closed both directions; one lane will remain open.

Lee County DOT’s contractor will work on the traffic signals and sign assemblies on the bridge. (Signals are used when the drawbridge opens and closes.) A bucket truck will be in the travel lane and flaggers will intermittently divert vehicles around the contractor. One day will be dedicated to the westbound signal, and the other day will be dedicated to the eastbound signal. Work will not occur during the lunch hour. The contractor’s work dates are subject to change if inclement weather occurs. Please monitor Lee County DOT’s Roadwatch Update at www.leegov.com/dot/roadwatchupdate.

The county thanks the Pine Island community for its patience as these necessary repairs occur so the hurricane-damaged drawbridge can resume operation for boaters. The bridge is safe for motorists. Please exercise caution, follow the direction of flaggers and plan accordingly for travel delays during the two days of work.

The overall project includes repairing and replacing several electrical, mechanical and structural components of the bridge, including work to repair the bridge tender structure. The Federal Highway Administration and the State of Florida are funding the construction of the improvements; the county is funding the inspection and engineering work. Learn more here.

This drawbridge project is independent of the Florida Department of Transportation project to restore the Little Pine Island Bridge and portions of Pine Island Causeway. Additional information on that project is available here: www.swflroads.com/project/451937-2.