Repair to the Matlacha Drawbridge Approved

Submitted by Publisher on

UPDATE 8-29-25 below: Lee Commissioners approve contract to repair the Matlacha Drawbridge
Bridge lanes will remain open throughout the project

Fort Myers, FL, Aug. 5, 2025 – The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve a contract for mechanical and electrical repairs to the Matlacha Drawbridge, which was damaged by Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28, 2022.

The $3.6 million project is partially funded by the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program and partially through a state appropriation. Lee County is contributing about $25,500.

The contract with Seacoast Inc. will restore the function of the drawbridge. It includes replacing damaged bridge gates, repairs inside the bridge operator tower, as well as work around the bridge including joint sealing, handrail/guardrail replacement and fender system lumber repair. Work is expected to take six months to complete.  Bridge lanes will remain open throughout the project.

Work is set to begin in early September, though motorists will not see any immediate impacts. Periodic opening and closing the drawbridge will occur during the completion of the project. Follow the project with the Lee County Department of Transportation’s Roadwatch Update, which is posted weekly at www.leegov.com/dot.

This Lee DOT project at Matlacha Bridge is independent of the ongoing Florida Department of Transportation project for the Little Pine Island Bridge. Project information for the Little Pine Island Bridge can be found here.

UPDATE 8-29-25:

This week, the first update about the drawbridge project is included. It reads:

  • Work on the Matlacha Mechanical and Electrical Repair Project commenced on Aug. 25.
  • Workers will be present intermittently on the site but may not be seen for extended periods, as work is required inside the bridge tender house.
  • While on site, motorists can expect to encounter construction workers and vehicles on the roadway as well as deliveries and the removal of old equipment from the bridge.
  • Please be aware that this is an active work zone, and drivers are asked to exercise caution when driving through the site.