Traffic

Question

Thinking of Sanibel for lunch on a Thursday. How bad is traffic on and off island with construction these days? Arriving this week.

Answer

Good question. Yes — there *is* some ongoing construction on the Sanibel Causeway, and you’ll likely notice delays, especially when coming and going from the island.

Here’s the latest (as of 2025) on how traffic is being affected:

FDOT recently moved traffic over to the permanent lanes, but the causeway islands are still an active work zone.
There are intermittent daytime lane closures and flagging operations, particularly on McGregor Boulevard (the road leading to the causeway), so you could hit slowdowns.
The posted speed limit through the work zone is 20 mph — slower than normal — because of construction vehicles and equipment entering/exiting.
Overnight work is still happening: from 7 p.m. to early morning, you may see flaggers and alternating one-lane traffic.
There’s a “Heavy Traffic Advisory” for Thursday afternoons/early evenings specifically, according to local sources.
In addition, part of McGregor Boulevard’s shoulder is closed, which can further impact flow in areas near the causeway.

From traveler reports (e.g., Reddit), here are a few practical notes:

Drivers say traffic is “inevitable” now, but if you go during off-peak times, it’s more manageable.
Peak exit times can be a challenge: one recent visitor suggested leaving before 1 PM to avoid heavier afternoon/evening traffic off the island.
Many are urging patience — construction vehicles, flagged stops, and slow-moving work zones are part of the mix.

Bottom line: Yes, you should expect some delays getting on and off Sanibel due to ongoing causeway construction — particularly mid-afternoon and evening on a Thursday. That said, it's not a total gridlock: traffic is fairly steady, and the road is open. Just plan for slower travel, especially if your goal is to go to lunch, and allow extra time.

Tip: Use the “Sanibel Bound” app or check live traffic cams (via the app or county websites), so you can monitor real-time conditions and pick the least congested times to travel.