FORT MYERS, Fla — Monday morning traffic was slow around the Edison Bridge and in some parts of North Fort Myers, but there were no major problems during the first morning commute since the closure of the Caloosahatchee Bridge.
On Friday, the Florida Department of Transportation closed the bridge for 10 weeks so crews can install a sidewalk.
Options for commuters traveling between Fort Myers and Cape Coral include the Midpoint Bridge, the Edison Bridges, and I-75.
This is a timelapse video of what it was like to drive over the Midpoint Bridge at about 8 a.m.
Use of the Midpoint Bridge does require drivers to pay a toll via Sun Pass or Pay-by-Plate programs.
RELATED: ALTERNATE ROUTE: FDOT will shut down Caloosahatchee River Bridge for 10 weeks
The Fort Myers Police Department says they are anticipating blocked intersections, and asks drivers to consider various options for commuting.
"With the Edison Bridge being the new alternate route most likely from the people coming from the North Fort Myers area, you're going to have other roads other than Dr. Martin Luther King and State Road 82. You can always go a little but further south to get where you need to go to get out of that distraction," suggests Public Information Officer Kristin Capuzzi of the Fort Myers Police Department.
FDOT says the closure will allow construction crews more space and the ability to work around-the-clock to install the eight-foot sidewalk.
"Leave a little bit early. Maybe take some different routes on different days to see what works best for you," Capuzzi advises.
The bridge is anticipated to reopen on August 11, 2024.
