Sanibel Causeway Reconstruction Wins DBIA Florida Region’s Best Overall Project of the Year

The Design-Build Institute of America’s Florida Region has named the Sanibel Causeway reconstruction its Best Overall Project of the Year, with the additional honor of Transportation and Roadway Project of the Year. The project was delivered by the Superior-de Moya Joint Venture, led by Superior Construction and The de Moya Group, following widespread infrastructure damage caused by Hurricane Ian in September 2022.

The $328 million effort marked the Florida Department of Transportation’s first emergency phased design-build contract. The delivery model enabled emergency repairs and long-term reconstruction to proceed in parallel rather than waiting for design completion. The joint venture formed within twenty-four hours of the storm and restored temporary access to Sanibel and Captiva Islands within one week. Full reconstruction of the three-mile corridor was finished two years ahead of the original schedule.

Sanibel Causeway from October 2022 (just after Hurricane Ian).

“Florida contractors know what hurricanes can do to our communities,” said Toby Mazzoni, Area Manager at Superior Construction. “We live and work here, so we build for the long haul, especially when our neighbors are counting on us most.”

The rebuilt causeway incorporates steel sheet pile wall systems totaling nearly 750,000 square feet, elevated seawalls, advanced stormwater drainage infrastructure, and 127,996 tons of armor stone placed for shoreline protection. The design is engineered to withstand Category 5 hurricane conditions. Completed segments endured multiple storms during the 2024 hurricane season, including Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, while areas still under construction required additional repairs.

The accelerated timeline provided significant economic benefits to Lee County. Restored access allowed businesses across Sanibel and Captiva to reopen months earlier than anticipated, supporting tourism activity and stabilizing local employment. The reconstruction also ensures improved reliability for emergency services during future storm events.

The project has received additional recognition from DBIA at the national level, earning the Merit Award in Transportation, the Award of Excellence in Transportation and the Chairs Award, selected as the top overall project by DBIA’s national leadership. It was also named ENR Southeast’s Best Regional Project in the Highway and Bridge category and was a finalist for ENR Southeast Project of the Year.

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