Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lee County opens Big Carlos Pass Bridge and unveils artificial reef
Summary
Lee County officials this morning celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the new Big Carlos Pass Bridge and the nearby artificial reef made from repurposed bridge materials; officials said the $90 million bridge improves local connectivity and the reef — funded by a private donation — will create habitat for recreational and commercial fishery species.
David Mullica, County Commissioner for District 3, welcomed attendees and this morning led a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Big Carlos Pass Bridge and the connected artificial reef project.
“We're investing in a safer transportation, improved connectivity, and the long-term future of our community for residents, business owners, and visitors,” Mullica said, framing the new span as both a transportation and community amenity.
County and state officials said the fixed-span bridge replaces the old drawbridge, includes a 60-foot navigation clearance, one travel lane in each direction, on-road bike lanes, a six-foot sidewalk and a 10-foot shared-use path. Rob Price, director of the Lee County Department of Transportation, said construction began in 2023 and that the project was an “amazing $90 million bridge project,” thanking contractors, county staff and municipal partners for delivering the work.
The ceremony also highlighted an artificial reef constructed from repurposed bridge demolition material. Leslie Haynes, Lee County’s marine project manager, said the reef sits about four nautical miles west of Big Carlos Pass and “we have repurposed 4.9 million pounds of concrete,” creating more than 2,400 tons of structure intended to provide immediate habitat for marine life important to recreational and commercial fisheries.
Mac Young, Lee County parks and recreation director, outlined planned site improvements at the bridge approaches: 74 car parking spaces (including three ADA-accessible spaces), 12 motorcycle spaces, a restroom trailer, bicycle racks, signage, landscaping, a pay station and an automatic gate to manage hours. Young said work to build the parking and site amenities is expected to begin in fall and be completed by summer 2027; he asked residents to avoid parking in the area once construction begins.
Wayne Gaither, director of FDOT’s Southwest Florida office, said the bridge is an example of federal, state and local resources working together through FDOT’s Local Agency Program and that FDOT ensured the project met federal environmental and engineering standards needed to secure federal aid.
Officials also used the ceremony to announce a related permitting milestone: the Fort Myers Beach pier permit was approved, and a separate groundbreaking for that pier will be scheduled soon.
The county credited a private gift from the estate of Courtney E. Towel with funding the reef deployment so there was no direct cost to Lee County taxpayers. County leaders closed the program with a ceremonial ribbon cut and group photos.
