Originally constructed in 1977, Little Pine Island Bridge connects Matlacha to Little Pine Island via CR 78 Pine Island Road. When Hurricane Ian damaged the bridge in September 2022, the Lee County Board of Commissioners fast-tracked reconstruction of this vital community connection. As a subconsultant to RS&H, VHB provided environmental permitting and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) support for the project, which is located in critical habitat for the federally endangered smalltooth sawfish.
VHB coordinated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries to implement an innovative air bubble curtain system around pre-drilled piles during construction—a technique never before used in Florida. This approach attenuated underwater noise during pile driving activities, protecting the small tooth sawfish, swimming turtles, and marine mammals. VHB's collaborative work with the Florida Department of Transportation, NOAA, the South Florida Water Management District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delivered sustainable construction practices that reduced environmental impacts while providing residents and visitors with an improved evacuation route and mobility connection.
Construction began in 2024 to strengthen and widen the Little Pine Island Bridge from 35 to 53 feet with an enhanced shoulder, improved safety measures, and increased resilience against future weather conditions. The bridge was completed in 2026.
