The Florida Department of Transportation says the Wilson Pigott Bridge is on track to reopen as scheduled on Thursday, April 23, following the completion of critical maintenance work within the anticipated 10-day closure window.

Crews will complete final overnight operations tonight, including welding work essential to securing the newly installed bridge deck. On Thursday morning, FDOT will perform final striping, while Lee County Traffic Operations will implement signal timing adjustments in the surrounding corridor to support a smooth reopening.

“Although the bridge will not reopen in time for the morning rush hour, it is expected to be accessible to traffic before the afternoon commute,” FDOT said in a late afternoon release.

“FDOT recognizes the significant inconvenience this closure has caused for residents, commuters, and local businesses. However, these improvements were necessary to ensure the long-term safety and structural integrity of the bridge.”

Detour information (Thursday morning Ccmmute)

Motorists are strongly encouraged to continue using the designated detour routes and to allow extra travel time. A typical 20-30 minute commute may take an hour or longer during peak periods.

Northbound (Naples/Fort Myers to Babcock Ranch):

Take I-75 northbound to Exit 143 (State Road 78)

Travel east on S.R. 78 to S.R. 31

Head north on S.R. 31 to Babcock Ranch

Southbound (Babcock Ranch to Fort Myers/Naples):

Take S.R. 31 south to S.R. 78

Travel west on S.R. 78 to I-75

Local businesses south of the bridge remain open and accessible via State Road 31 from State Road 80.

Emergency services-including fire rescue, law enforcement, and EMS-have been strategically positioned north of the bridge to maintain response times throughout the closure.

project Details

The closure allowed crews to replace the bridge’s aging steel grid deck with a new, high-strength system designed to enhance durability and extend the structure’s service life.

Deck Weight: Approximately 33.5 tons

Deck Size: 2,900 square feet (cumulative panels)

Material: 5-3/16″ 4-way open grid, galvanized Grade 50 steel

Construction Authorization: Approximately $2 million

Once a new bridge is constructed in the future, the newly installed grid deck is designed to be repurposed for use on another structure, maximizing long-term value and sustainability.

Reopening

Upon reopening, the bridge will be fully accessible to all users, including passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, buses, and delivery vehicles.

“FDOT appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this critical maintenance effort and remains committed to delivering safe and reliable transportation infrastructure for the region,” officials said.

For updates, motorists can monitor local traffic reports and FDOT’s FL511.com.