Big Carlos Pass Bridge Will Open to Traffic Friday Morning

Workers will shift cars and trucks to the new Big Carlos Pass Bridge beginning Friday, Nov. 14. 

LeeTran trolley stops on the east side will start running once cars move over. A narrow walkway exists on the new span, but it isn't done yet, so bike riders and walkers must continue to use caution.

Lanes will shift on the west end near Fort Myers Beach as workers finish this section. The boat channel moves east when that wraps up later this year. Boats can pass under the new channel with 60 feet of clearance.

Lee County's project builds a new crossing over Big Carlos Pass, stretching from Estrellita Drive on Fort Myers Beach to the Lovers Key State Park bayside entrance on Lovers Key. The finished structure will have one lane going each way, bike lanes, a 6-foot walkway along the north side of Estero Boulevard, and a 10-foot shared path along the south side of Estero Boulevard with a barrier separating cars from people on foot.

Parking opens on the southeast side after everything wraps up. Lee County Parks and Recreation has plans for more parking with bathrooms on the southeast side.

Construction kicked off in the summer of 2023 and should be completed next summer.

More information can be found on the project website.