The Wilson Pigott Bridge will close temporarily April 12 to allow crews to install a new bridge deck as part of the ongoing replacement project.
The Florida Department of Transportation originally considered a March start date; however, the timeline was adjusted due to the fabrication and delivery schedule of the specialized bridge deck materials.
The bridge is scheduled to close overnight on Suny, April 12, at which time a detour will be implemented (See map above). The full closure will remain in place for approximately 10 days. Construction crews are expected to begin replacing the grid deck on April 13.
When construction begins, the bridge will be fully closed to all traffic for approximately 10 days to allow crews to safely install the new deck. During the closure, all vehicles—including passenger cars, commercial trucks, buses, and delivery vehicles—will be required to follow the posted detour.
The detour will direct traffic to Interstate 75 to cross the Caloosahatchee River as an alternative to Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31. Motorists should plan for additional travel time.
Local businesses located just south of the bridge remain open during their regular business hours and are accessible from State Route 31 traveling northbound from State Route 80.
Emergency services personnel, including fire rescue, law enforcement, and EMS, will be strategically staged on one side of the bridge throughout the closure to ensure emergency response capabilities remain in place.\
Motorists should plan for additional travel time and follow the posted detour route, which will direct traffic to Interstate 75 to cross the Caloosahatchee River as an alternative to Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31.
FDOT plans to continue providing updates as construction schedules are finalized. For real-time traffic information, motorists are encouraged to visit FL511.com.
WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.
