On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian severed the only link between Florida’s Gulf Coast and the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. A global tourist destination and home to more than 6,400 year-round residents, these barrier islands were suddenly cut off from the mainland. Emergency response halted, leaving residents facing an uncertain wait for food, fuel and medical care.
The Florida Department of Transportation set out to restore emergency access immediately, reestablish resident travel within 30 days and rebuild the causeway to withstand future storms.
Mobilizing During Disaster
Crews mobilized within days, transporting materials and equipment despite power outages, damaged infrastructure and no road access. Workers traveled by boat until limited passage returned, lived in mobile trailers at a nearby airport and cooked daily meals for more than 100 people using generators. Every day brought new challenges, from moving heavy equipment without a functioning roadway to sourcing materials during a regional shortage while keeping the project on schedule. When deliveries slowed, state officers escorted shipments and leaders worked directly with suppliers to maintain momentum.
From the outset, the team broke down traditional barriers between contractors, designers, trade partners and stakeholders. During the emergency phase, hourly meetings enabled rapid decisions, often scribbled on whiteboards when computers weren’t available. For the permanent repairs, regular workshops and co-location helped address issues before they caused delays. Lessons learned from the initial phase informed a stronger final design, incorporating marine mattresses and armor stone to protect the coast and minimize environmental impact.
Restoring the causeway reconnected residents with schools, jobs and essential services while safeguarding the environment and reducing future storm damage. Reopening to visitors boosted the tourism economy, preserved jobs and stabilized property values. By Christmas 2023, the completely rebuilt causeway stood as a testament to how design-build collaboration can deliver both immediate relief and lasting resilience.
Winner – Chair’s Award
When Hurricane Ian severed the Sanibel Causeway, cutting off lifelines to nearly 6,500 residents, the Florida Department of Transportation and its design-build team acted with speed and purpose. Emergency access was restored within days, permanent repairs within 30 days, and a resilient new causeway was delivered under budget. Sustainability guided every decision, from coastal protections and stormwater systems to durable materials designed for a 75-year lifespan. Economically, the project preserved billions in property value, safeguarded tourism revenue, and sustained local jobs.
Design-Build Team
| Client/Owner: | Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) |
| Owner Advisor: | HNTB Corporation |
| Design-Builder: | Superior-de Moya Joint Venture Team |
| General Contractor: | Superior-de Moya Joint Venture Team |
| Engineers: | Kisinger Campo & Associates (KCA); Hardesty & Hanover, LLC (H&H) |
| Subcontractor: | Interstate Construction, LLC |
| Project Cost: | $328,000,000 |
| Construction Duration: | 30 Months |
Photos
Photo Credits: Kisinger Campo & Associates; Superior Construction