The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve two measures advancing the project to expand and improve the Cape Coral Bridge.
Commissioners voted to approve a resolution to formally adopt the planned bridge and roadway improvements, as well as a resolution to acquire additional right of way for the project.
The Cape Coral Bridge connects Cape Coral Parkway in the City of Cape Coral to College Parkway in south Fort Myers. The planned improvements are designed to increase roadway capacity, alleviate existing congestion, accommodate projected growth, enhance safety, and expand bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.
The Lee County Department of Transportation began a Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) study for the Cape Coral Bridge in April 2022. Throughout the study, Lee County staff, the Florida Department of Transportation and the project consultant team worked closely to develop a final PD&E document. On July 1, 2025, Lee County received Location and Design Concept Acceptance (LDCA) from FDOT, providing the necessary approvals for Lee County to continue project design and begin the right-of-way phase.
Construction is expected to begin in 2028. Four lanes of traffic will remain open throughout construction. A new eastbound bridge will first be built south of the current eastbound bridge and will temporarily provide two lanes in each direction to maintain current travel conditions. Once traffic shifts to the new eastbound bridge, both existing bridges will be demolished. A new westbound bridge will then be built to the north of the existing bridges. Each new bridge will accommodate three lanes of traffic and include a shared-use path.
See a video of the planned improvements and learn more about the Cape Coral Bridge by viewing the Public Hearing Materials on www.capecoralbridgeproject.com.
