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Lee County adopts resolution of necessity to acquire parcels for Cape Coral bridge replacement
Summary
The Board approved a resolution of necessity enabling acquisition — voluntary or by eminent domain — of property parcels needed for the Cape Coral Bridge replacement project after staff said five acquisition criteria were considered.
Lee County commissioners on Aug. 19 adopted a resolution of necessity that allows the county to pursue acquisition of parcels needed for the Cape Coral Bridge replacement project, county staff said.
County staff presented the resolution as an acquisition tool that would permit the county to seek necessary property interests either by voluntary purchase or, if necessary, through eminent domain. The presentation listed five criteria staff considered when recommending the resolution: alternatives, safety, environmental concerns, cost estimates and long‑range planning.
Why it matters: the resolution of necessity is a formal step that allows the county to begin or continue acquisition efforts that are integral to design and construction of the replacement bridge. Staff and a commissioner discussed aspects of design that will increase roadway capacity; county staff said the replacement will carry six lanes (three lanes each direction) across the new bridge and expand approaches to resolve an existing three‑to‑two lane merge.
Details: Real estate and DOT staff said the project team intends to keep four lanes of traffic available during construction, using a construction sequencing approach that builds a new eastbound span adjacent to the current bridges, transfers traffic, demolishes the old span, then constructs a new westbound span. Staff said right‑of‑way acquisition in key locations is needed to widen approaches and support the new six‑lane design.
Board action: the board approved the resolution by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript. Staff said the resolution does not itself authorize expenditure of funds for debt or construction — it enables property acquisition activity necessary for the project to proceed.
What’s next: staff will continue property acquisition and right‑of‑way work, and proceed with design and construction planning. Any specific condemnations, purchases, or construction contracts will return to the board for separate approvals.
