Commercial truck drivers in North Fort Myers are facing a significant change starting Monday, as the Wilson Pigott Bridge on State Road 31 will be closed to large trucks and trailers.

The bridge, located near the Lee Civic Center and Bayshore Road, is undergoing upgrades, and heavy loads are not allowed during this process.

While cars and other passenger vehicles can cross the bridge without issues, all commercial vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds must take a detour to Interstate 75. This is crucial as many commercial businesses and construction activities occur along State Road 31, leading to an increase in commercial vehicles on the interstate.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is preparing to replace the bridge deck and said the detour is necessary for maintenance and safety reasons.

Truck drivers on State Road 80 trying to head north on State Road 31 should instead travel north on I-75 and take the State Road 78 or Bayshore Road exit. They will then turn left by the Lee Civic Center to return to 31.

Drivers heading south on State Road 31 should take a right on State Road 78, head to I-75 south, and then take the Palm Beach Boulevard exit to return to State Road 80.

Jerry Kirk, a resident along State Road 78, expressed his concerns over the expected traffic increase.

“In the mornings, it’s hard to get in and out of the driveway anyway because there’s so much traffic backed up with the traffic signal at Highway 31,” said Kirk. “I can’t imagine now with all the trucks having to come this way. It’s just going to be beyond belief, basically. It’s going to be a huge mess.”

Kirk also mentioned that the delays would add more hassle for everyone in the area.

“Whatever happens, however long the delay takes, it’s just going to be that much more hassle for everybody here, especially all of us up front along the road this way,” said Kirk.

FDOT aims to complete the bridge deck by March if everything remains on schedule. However, in late February, the bridge will be closed to all traffic for about two weeks to meet this goal.