The Matanzas Pass Bridge project is expected to last until early 2026. Photo by Nathan Mayberg

The reconstruction of the Matanzas Pass Bridge on Fort Myers Beach has begun.

The lanes on the State Bridge have been shifted and narrowed as workers have begun a project that will widen the sidewalk by two feet for pedestrians and cyclists while also creating a new seasonal lane on the bridge that will merge the previous bus lane and open to all traffic during the off-season. During peak tourism season, the bus lane will revert to a restricted lane.

As part of the first steps of an overhaul of the State Bridge and San Carlos Boulevard, traffic cones currently separate traffic from the top of the bridge.

A portion of the rights-of-way at San Carlos Boulevard and Main Street will be used in a later phase of construction to add a second lane onto the bridge.

The $13 million project is scheduled to be completed in early 2026.

A bench and signs were destroyed along the roadway. These will now be removed to make way for the expansion of a lane on San Carlos Boulevard leading to the Matanzas Pass Bridge. Photo by Nathan Mayberg

The state Department of Transportation’s project calls for a new traffic light at the intersection of San Carlos Boulevard and Main Street. On Monday, a sign at the intersection was knocked over and a bench at the intersection was destroyed – victims of a recent accident.

The San Carlos Boulevard project also includes converting the existing southbound right-turn lane from San Carlos Boulevard, which approaches Main Street and Fisherman’s Wharf before the Matanzas Pass Bridge, into a general-use lane. This lane will lead directly onto the Matanzas Pass Bridge, revoking from the state a portion of the roadway currently between San Carlos Boulevard and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Other work includes the seasonal replacement of the variable traffic light at the intersection of San Carlos Boulevard, Prescott Street and Buttonwood Drive with a conventional traffic light during peak tourism season.

According to a presentation by the Florida Department of Transportation to the Fort Myers Beach City Council in January, the conventional traffic light will be in operation from April to December to ensure unhindered traffic flow. From January to April, during peak season, there will be alternating lights where one lane toward the Matanzas Pass Bridge alternates with the other.

Contractors have already removed the barrier that separated the two lanes at the traffic lights at the intersection.

Work on the Matanzas Pass Bridge project has begun on the Fort Myers Bridge and is expected to last until early 2026. Photo by Nathan Mayberg

From Main Street to the Hurricane Bay Bridge, the speed limit is expected to be reduced from 45 mph to 40 mph.

The Florida Department of Transportation noted that nighttime lane closures are to be expected on weekdays during the project.

Work has begun on the Matanzas Pass Bridge project in Fort Myers Beach. Both lanes have been narrowed as the sidewalk is to be widened. Photo by Nathan Mayberg

A road sign was toppled in front of the Matanzas Pass Bridge in Fort Myers Beach. Photo by Nathan Mayberg

Matanzas Pass Bridge at night on Fort Myers Beach. Photo by Nathan Mayberg

Matanzas Pass Bridge at night on Fort Myers Beach. Photo by Nathan Mayberg