City Completes Chiquita Lock Removal Ahead of Schedule
June 17, 2025
Dredging equipment and turbidity barriers at the Chiquita Lock were removed Tuesday, June 17, 2025. This marks the early completion of the Chiquita Lock Removal Project and a major advancement in improving waterway access and environmental quality.
Boaters are urged to use caution near the lock removal area, as they should for all canals, as shallow areas may be present. The City is pursuing city-wide dredging permits to mitigate these areas. Next steps include a bathymetric survey of the South Spreader, planting 3,000 mangroves, installing oyster reef balls, and pursuing city-wide dredging permits as part of our canal maintenance program.
The City sincerely thanks the residents of Cape Coral for their patience and cooperation throughout the lock's removal. We recognize that this work has caused temporary inconveniences, and your understanding has been invaluable in helping us achieve these essential improvements.
We want to acknowledge the partnership and support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, AIM Engineering & Surveying Inc., Wright Construction Group Inc., and Kelly Brothers Inc. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in the timely completion of this project.