Excitement is building for the much-needed overhaul of the Cape Coral Bridge, with the long-awaited construction set to commence in 2026. This critical project will involve the reconstruction of the aging bridge, which has served as a vital connector for over 60 years. Following this, the Midpoint Bridge project will also begin, marking a significant period of infrastructural enhancement for Cape Coral.
At the recent Catch The Vision event, Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane addressed the public's concerns, emphasizing the lengthy and meticulous process required before the actual construction can begin. "It's a long process," Ruane explained. "We must complete thorough planning, design, and environmental studies, as well as secure the necessary funds before any physical work starts."
According to Ruane, the preliminary studies are expected to wrap up in 2024, with construction slated to start in 2026. The extensive procurement process, which includes securing state and federal funding, is anticipated to take about two years. The project will expand the bridge from four to six lanes, introduce drainage ponds, eliminate the toll plaza in favor of electronic tolls, and add a pedestrian bridge to enhance accessibility and safety.
The Cape Coral Bridge Project is a crucial endeavor aimed at modernizing infrastructure to meet current demands. The expansion will accommodate three lanes in each direction, improve traffic flow, and integrate multimodal facilities. The new pedestrian bridge, positioned on the east side of the current billboard on Cape Coral Parkway, will facilitate safe crossing over the six lanes of Cape Coral Parkway.
Here's what Cape Coral's pedestrian bridge could look like.
The Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency will see the first renderings for pedestrian bridge options at the base of the Cape Coral Bridge. The options include an arched truss theme, a sailing theme, and various options for signage.
Take a look at the renderings:
A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study will precede the design and construction phases, adhering to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This study, overseen by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), will evaluate the project's potential impacts and ensure eligibility for federal funding. The PD&E Study will assess alternatives to add capacity to the corridor and will cover the stretch from Del Prado Boulevard in Cape Coral to McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.
The current Cape Coral Bridge, a four-lane arterial bridge constructed in stages (the westbound span in 1963 and the eastbound span in 1989), does not meet the projected travel demands for 2045. The project will address deficiencies in the existing infrastructure, which has a vertical clearance of 55 feet and a horizontal clearance of 90 feet.
Lee County is actively collecting data on boat traffic through the Cape Coral bridges to inform the project. Boat users are encouraged to participate in a survey available online at Cape Coral Bridge Project Navigation Survey by September 6, 2024. This data will help shape the project's planning and execution.
What is a PD&E Study? A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is a key phase in the highway development process, helping FDOT and local governments determine the optimal location, design, and impact of proposed improvements. This study evaluates various alternatives, including the "No-Build" option, and considers environmental, social, and economic factors before advancing to the design phase.
As Cape Coral prepares for this transformative project, the community eagerly anticipates the benefits of a modernized bridge system. For more information on the Cape Coral Bridge Project and updates on the PD&E Study, visit Cape Coral Bridge Project.
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People also ask:
What are the plans for the Cape Coral Bridge 2026?
The Cape Coral Bridge Project will expand the bridge from four to six lanes — three in each direction; include drainage ponds under the bridge, remove the toll plaza to replace it with electronic tolls, and incorporate a pedestrian bridge
Which bridge in Cape Coral is under construction?
Construction on the Cape Coral Bridge will start in 2027. It will add a lane to each direction of the bridge for a total of six lanes across both spans, as well as a 10-foot shoulder on each side of each span and a 10-foot pedestrian lane on each span.
What is being built on Cape Coral Parkway?
Located on Cape Coral Parkway, just west of Four Freedoms Park, Bimini Square will be home to luxury apartments, a Deep Lagoon waterfront restaurant, a Lee Health medical facility and a variety of retail shops. The process of adding two additional lanes to the Cape Coral Bridge is expected to be a long one
What is the Seven Islands Project in Cape Coral Florida?
4020 Del Prado Blvd S. Unit B2, Cape Coral, FL 33904
O. (239)770-5429
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