UPDATE (1:15 PM 9/11) -- The City of Sanibel is only permitting first-responders to return at this time. It is expected residents will be able to return as of 3:00 p.m. Monday.
Check with the City of Sanibel for further updates.
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UPDATE (12:45 PM 9/11) -- Lee County DOT says that Big Hickory Pass Bridge near Bonita Beach has been cleared for travel.
It’s anticipated all Lee County DOT bridges will have had structural reviews by Tuesday morning.
Tolls for all three Lee County bridges remain suspended until further notice.
RELATED: residents being let back onto Marco Island
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UPDATE (11 AM 9/11) -- Lee County DOT says that Big Carlos Pass Bridge to Fort Myers Beach has been cleared.
Note: The City of Sanibel is allowing only first responders to re-enter the island today
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UPDATE (10 AM 9/11) -- Lee County DOT says that Matlacha Bridge has been checked and is clear for motorists to cross.
More updates to come.
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UPDATE (8:20AM 9/11) -- Lee County officials report that the Sanibel Causeway has been inspected and is OPEN to motorists.
Lee DOT is inspecting other bridges. Updates to come.
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FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Lee County DOT and Florida DOT will inspect their respective bridges early Monday to ensure structural integrity and safety.
Due to Hurricane Irma’s significant wave action, the Sanibel Causeway may have been impacted, and it is a high priority for Lee County DOT to inspect it immediately. DOT expects to compete the inspection as early as possible Monday. Until the inspection is satisfactorily completed, motorists will be restricted from crossing the causeway. Sanibel Police will be on scene.
Concurrent to the Causeway inspection, all other bridges in Lee County will be inspected. It’s anticipated that the other bridges will be open for motorists unless otherwise notified.
Further updates will be posted at www.leeeoc.com[leeeoc.com] and also provided to the United Way 211 Help Line, which can also be reached by calling 239-433-3900.
Motorists are reminded many dangers will exist during the daytime that first responders, public works and debris management workers will have to assess and clear. This effort starts as soon as it is safe to get these crews on the road.
County officials will communicate when it is safe to return to your neighborhoods. Assessments will be shared with the media and at http://www.leeeoc.com.
