Video: Drone Footage Of The Sanibel Causeway Construction

The damage that Hurricane Ian did to the Sanibel Causeway was massive. I remember thinking "there is no way they can get this bridge operational this year. That's a 3 mile span." But I was wrong. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, "8,200 loads of fill dirt, 2,400 loads of rock, & 4,000 tons of asphalt" have gone into the project so far. The Causeway is now open. It really shouldn't come as a surprise, the Pine Island bridge was reconnected back on October 4th. So about two weeks to get vehicles to Sanibel, and three weeks to open to the public - now just seems like par.

It's not pretty, but it works. Here's an aerial view of the work being done on the Sanibel Causeway.

It's just absolutely incredible that the crews have got this much work done this fast. Remember what it looked like 3 weeks ago?

And here's the pics and story from just 12 days ago!

Pictures Of Sanibel In The Aftermath Of Hurricane Ian

After ripping apart islands such as Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Pine Island, Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa. Cayo Costa is an island off the coast of Fort Myers, just after 3 p.m. Ian came in with 150 mph winds, the fifth-strongest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. Additionally, according to ABC News, “Ian then made a second landfall 90 minutes later, still as a Category 4 storm with 145 mph winds, just south of Punta Gorda, near Pirate Harbor.”

Florida Department of Transportation did an amazing job getting Pine Island's bridge reconnected. The Sanibel Causeway is a much more difficult task. As you can see, Ian washed away several parts of the span.

SANIBEL, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 29: (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

That being said, the projection is still to have temporary fixes in place by the end of the month. Around 30 days after Hurricane Ian's landfall. Crews are working 24/7 to make this happen.

What's next for Sanibel?

Currently, Sanibel residents reach the island by boat. There's also supplies delivered by helicopter. There's no power or water service on the island and a curfew remains in place. Sanibel is one of the most beautiful places in Florida. With a lot of work and determination, the island is rebuilding. Miami based Joe Raedle of Getty Images was on the island over the weekend.

Slow Recovery From Hurricane Ian Continues In Southwest Florida

SANIBEL, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: A destroyed vehicle lays among debris after Hurricane Ian passed through the area on October 08, 2022 in Sanibel, Florida. Residents of the island are hopeful that the causeway onto the island will be repaired soon so they can start the process of rebuilding their homes after it was heavily damaged during the hurricane leaving the island cut off from the mainland. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Slow Recovery From Hurricane Ian Continues In Southwest Florida

SANIBEL, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: People carry items to a boat as they visit their homes after Hurricane Ian passed through the area on October 08, 2022 in Sanibel, Florida. Residents of the island are hopeful that the causeway onto the island will be repaired soon so they can start the process of rebuilding their homes after it was heavily damaged during the hurricane leaving the island cut off from the mainland. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Slow Recovery From Hurricane Ian Continues In Southwest Florida

SANIBEL, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: Debris litters the ground after Hurricane Ian passed through the area on October 08, 2022 in Sanibel, Florida. Residents of the island are hopeful that the causeway onto the island will be repaired soon so they can start the process of rebuilding their homes after it was heavily damaged during the hurricane leaving the island cut off from the mainland. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)