Temporary Repairs to Sanibel Causeway Allow Trucks to Reach Island

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A slow march of utility trucks headed to Sanibel Island near Fort Myers, Fla., on Oct. 11 following temporary repairs to the Sanibel Causeway, which was broken in three locations during Hurricane Ian.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the opening of the causeway — the only road pathway to the island — at a news conference in Fort Myers on Oct. 11. As he spoke, trucks moved across the bridge in the background.

The bridge will need further repairs, and will be open for broad public traffic on Oct. 21, DeSantis said.

Governor DeSantis Delivers an Update on Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers https://t.co/m3kppPF2CS

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 11, 2022

Jared Purdue, the Florida Department of Transportation secretary, said the bridge structure was in good shape after the hurricane, but the land part of the causeway needed repair. Engineers deemed the bridge safe for passage for the support convoy, he said.

While the causeway was impassable, the state had to fly in search-and-rescue teams and electrical workers. DeSantis said his administration also spoke with the federal government about getting an amphibious landing craft, which they would have used this week had the causeway not been cleared for passage.

Under the direction of @GovRonDeSantis, work continues to change the view from hurricane destruction to recovery construction at Sanibel Island Causeway. Check out the temp. bridge approach repair and all the resources to keep this project moving! #HurricaneIanRecovery @FLSERT pic.twitter.com/0W0hf7AiEN

— FLORIDA DOT (@MyFDOT) October 9, 2022

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