City of Cape Coral Prepares for Chiquita Lock Removal

September 20, 2024

The City of Cape Coral is preparing for the upcoming removal of the Chiquita Lock, pending receipt of the necessary permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). While specific dates for the start of demolition have not been finalized, the City wants to provide residents and visitors with advance notice regarding what to expect as the project moves forward.

Anticipated Timeline and Closure:

Once the ACOE permit is received, the City will facilitate a necessary FEMA inspection, which will require temporarily closing the lock. The length of this closure is uncertain because it depends on the time needed to prepare the lock and conduct the inspection. The City will notify residents in advance of the closure and will provide updates once the inspection is complete and the lock is reopened for boaters. Demolition of the Chiquita Lock will follow, with the lock anticipated to close to boat traffic for approximately three months.

While an exact start date has not yet been determined, residents should be aware that the closure could occur sooner than anticipated, as we would prefer to provide ample notice rather than shorten the timeline. Once specific dates are confirmed, they will be shared with the public through local media, City social media channels, on the City's website, and via message boards placed at the lock.

What to Expect During the Closure:

• Once demolition begins, the Chiquita Lock will remain closed to boat traffic for roughly three months.
• There will be no passage through the lock during the demolition period.
• This is the ideal time for residents who live on or use the South Spreader to relocate their boats, as access through the lock will be unavailable during the removal process.

Additional Information

The South Spreader Waterway Enhancement Project, part of the City's Environmental Improvement and Sustainability Program, aims to enhance water quality and aquatic habitats as outlined in the City's Strategic Plan. Key initiatives include:

• Removing the Chiquita Boat Lock
• Installing a 165-foot seawall
• Planting over 3,000 mangrove seedlings
• Placing oyster reef balls at the lock site
• Reducing nitrogen loads to Matlacha Pass
• Improving water quality
• Boosting the aquatic ecosystem
• Seeking to eliminate manatee mortality from lock operations
• Enhancing emergency response times
• Improving boating access and safety

We understand the importance of frequent communication on this project and will continue to keep our residents and visitors updated. Please follow the City of Cape Coral Government social media channels and stay tuned to local news outlets for the latest information.

For more details and ongoing updates, visit capecoral.gov and go to the Chiquita Boat Lock page.

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