Construction Sequence
Construction began with Bridge B (the middle bridge) in August 2004. Construction of Bridge A (adjacent to the mainland) began in January 2005 and will be followed by construction of Bridge C (adjacent to Sanibel) beginning in July 2005, more information can be found on the Schedule web page.  The construction will initially begin with pile driving efforts adjacent to the existing bridge(s).  Following this, substructure components (such as footings and foundations) and then girders (beams) will be installed for each section/span of the bridge.  The concrete deck will then be poured.  Temporary roadways on the causeway islands will be constructed concurrently to coordinate and support the approach work to the Islands.  Upon bridge completion, final road and tie-in(s) will be constructed.


 

Bridge A
Bridge A (the bridge adjacent to the mainland) will be a 70-foot vertical clearance fixed span bridge. The new bridge typical section includes two 12-foot (ft.) travel lanes, two 8 ft. shoulders, open rails, and no sidewalks. The overall width of the bridge is 43 ft. An alignment 10 ft. eastof the existing bridge was selected. The fixed span bridge gives 70 feet of navigational clearance and eliminates the need for scheduled openings, it also allows for free flow of automobile and boat traffic.



Bridge B
The existing Bridge B (the middle bridge) is structurally in the worst condition of the three bridges, having a low profile that subjects the entire substructure and superstructure to salt spray.  The new bridge typical section includes two 12-foot (ft.) travel lanes, two 8 ft. shoulders, open rails, and no sidewalks.  The overall width of the bridge is 43 ft.  An alignment 10 ft. west of the existing bridge was selected.  In conjunction with an east alignment for Bridge C (adjacent to Sanibel), this alignment avoids impacts to the weigh station and restrooms on Island B.  The bridge profile will be raised a minimum of 4 ft. to raise the superstructure above  
                                                                                  the splash zone.

Bridge C
Bridge C (bridge nearest to Sanibel) will be a 26 - foot vertical clearance fixed span bridge.  The new bridge typical section includes two 12 ft. travel lanes, two 8 ft. shoulders, and no sidewalks.  The overall width of the bridge is 43 ft.  An alignment 10 ft. east of the existing bridge was selected to avoid impacts to the weigh station and restrooms on Island B, as well as to minimize impacts to the Sanibel Boat Ramp.  The new bridge will not impact the boat ramps, boat ramp parking lot, or park entrance.  All superstructure components will be located above the splash zone.  The existing bridge approaches will be removed and the land
                                                                                  made available for recreational use.

Information on Precast Yard Operations on San Carlos Island
Lee County has granted a Limited Development Order on the County’s San Carlos Island parcel (formerly known as the Murphy Oil property) to Boh Brothers to fabricate concrete components for the new Sanibel Causeway bridges.  Early next month, the contractor will use a portion of the County’s property (adjacent to Kelly Brothers property) as a temporary concrete casting yard.  The anticipated hours of operation for the concrete fabrication activities will be Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Concrete fabrication activities are expected to be complete in the Summer of 2006.

Concrete will be delivered by concrete mixing trucks.  No concrete will be mixed on site.  It is anticipated that concrete trucks will deliver concrete two to three days per week.  On these days, the trucks will deliver periodically from approximately 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.  In season, the contractor will base their hours of operation based on their ability to get the concrete mixing trucks to the site in a timely matter.  Early morning and late night deliveries may occur. In addition, during season, the contractor will also coordinate the timing of deliveries with the various cruise boat operations on the island.  The contractor is coordinating the timing of these deliveries with The Southwest Florida Marine Institute (SFMI) buses and Trico Shrimp Company. 

When delivered, the concrete will be poured into a series of three molds.  As the product cures, it will be staged on the property and subsequently barged to the bridge site.  Use of this property will result in a cost savings due to its proximity to the project site.

Several sabal palms may be relocated to other areas of the Lee County site to provide additional landscape buffers to the surrounding residences.  The concrete fabrication site will be fully fenced for safety and security purposes. County access to the existing boat ramp will remain open during the construction period.  All necessary permits have been obtained by the contractor (fencing, vegetation, etc.). 

About the Project Team click here