County to test mechanical opening operations of Matlacha Drawbridge this week
Lee County announced today that the first mechanical opening of the Matlacha Drawbridge will occur this week. It will be the first time the bridge has opened since 2022 when Hurricane Ian damaged it. Pine Island-Matlacha area motorists will see crews testing the drawbridge. The amount of time motorists will wait for the drawbridge to open and close will mirror what would be a normal wait for a vessel to pass through. Test openings must occur during daylight this week, as this is the first time the bridge has opened in more than three years. Openings are anticipated Tuesday, Feb. 24, through Thursday, Feb. 26. The testing will include using traffic signals, span openings, raising ...
