Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Oct. 1 to authorize construction engineering and inspection services for various repairs to restore the function of the Matlacha Drawbridge, which has not opened since before Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The $269,446 supplemental task authorization is for work under an existing contract for services with Hardesty & Hanover and includes contract administration, inspection and materials sampling and testing for the various repairs needed to the Matlacha Drawbridge on Pine Island Road. The work includes repairing and replacing several electrical, mechanical and structural components, including work to repair the bridge tender structure, which will begin in early 2025. Repairs are expected to be complete in about 18 months, county officials said. The Federal Highway Administration and state of Florida have funded the construction of the improvements. The county portion is for the inspection and engineering team.