Temporary Pine Island Bridge Opens One Week After Hurricane Ian Makes Landfall

By Amber Jo Cooper

Published Oct. 6, 2022, 11:46 a.m. ET | Updated Oct. 6, 2022

Aerial view of the newly completed Pine Island bridge, which was destroyed during Hurricane Ian, Oct. 5, 2022. (Photo/Gov. Ron DeSantis' office)

MATLACHA (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the temporary bridge to Pine Island is now open to the public, just one week after Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida.

Pine Island is a large island in Lee County with 9,000 residents. Access was destroyed during Hurricane Ian.

The governor tweeted an aerial view of the bridge, showing cars and trucks heading onto the island.

Construction on the Pine Island bridge has been completed today – just three days after construction began.

Happy to have the state step in and help get our Pine Island residents back on their feet. pic.twitter.com/a8GqPoHtP1
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 6, 2022

It was previously reported that crews wanted it to be done by the end of the week but have finished ahead of schedule.

“Hats off – really good work. Usually government will promise and under deliver. Well here’s an over-delivering, getting it done ahead of schedule,” DeSantis said.