Lee County Commission approves contract to repair the Matlacha Drawbridge

The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted today to approve a contract for mechanical and electrical repairs to the Matlacha Drawbridge, which was damaged by Hurricane Ian 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.

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.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter HERE. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook.