The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted to authorize construction engineering and inspection services for various repairs to restore the function of the Matlacha Drawbridge, which has not opened since before Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
The $269,446 supplemental task authorization is for work under an existing contract for services with Hardesty & Hanover and includes contract administration, inspection, and materials sampling and testing for the various repairs needed to the Matlacha Drawbridge on Pine Island Road.
The work includes repair and replacement of several electrical, mechanical, and structural components, including work to repair the bridge tender structure and will begin in early 2025. Repairs are expected to be complete in about 18 months.
The Federal Highway Administration and State of Florida have funded the construction of the improvements. The county portion is for the inspection and engineering team.
Tuesday’s board action is independent of the Florida Department of Transportation project to restore the Little Pine Island Bridge and portions of Pine Island Causeway. Additional information on that project is available here: www.swflroads.com/project/451937-2.
Photo: Emilio Mamuyac-Google
