South Broward News

The City of Fort Lauderdale is working with Murphy Pipeline Contractors to replace aging water mains in Downtown Fort Lauderdale along:

• N New River Drive E from Andrews Avenue to SE 5th Avenue
• SE 5th Avenue from N New River Drive E to Las Olas Boulevard
• SE 3rd Avenue from N New River Drive E to Las Olas Boulevard
• SE 4th Street from SE 3rd Avenue to SE 5th Avenue

The new pipes will measure 10 inches in diameter and be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is a non-corrosive material that will help reduce the impacts of groundwater and saltwater. The project will include establishing temporary connections to ensure that water service is maintained throughout construction.

Crews will primarily install the new water mains utilizing trenchless technology to minimize the impact on the community. This method is more efficient than traditional open-cut construction and will expedite the completion of the project. Excavation will be necessary in some areas. Work is expected to begin at Las Olas Boulevard and SE 5th Avenue and continue southwest.

Construction began on Monday, October 2, 2023. Work is generally taking place during the day between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Some overnight work may be required. This schedule is subject to change based on inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Due to unforeseen conditions that resulted in the need for additional work, completion of the pipe installation is expected by mid-February and restoration is expected by the end of March.

Recently Completed Activities

• Contractor completed paving on New River Drive and SE 4th Street. Only SE 3rd Avenue remains to be paved.
• Contractor continued general restoration, cleanup and demobilization.

Upcoming Activities (Through 3/8/24)

• The contractor is planning to pave on SE 3rd Avenue overnight on Monday, March 4 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • Work on SE 3rd Avenue (west of 4th Street): This will require a full closure of SE 3rd Avenue between Las Olas Boulevard and SE 6th Street.
  • Work at the intersection of SE 3rd Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard (southbound lanes): This will require lane closures (not a full closure) within the southbound lanes of SE 3rd Avenue.
• Contractor will continue general restoration, cleanup and demobilization. 
• Once all the paving is completed, crews will return in 14 days (mid-March) to apply pavement markings.

Traffic Impacts

• One lane in each direction of each street within the project limits may be closed during construction. Traffic control personnel will direct traffic as needed. No full closures/detours are expected.
• Please follow posted signs and drive with caution in the area.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and thank our neighbors for their patience during construction.

For more information or questions, contact:

William Power, City of Fort Lauderdale Senior Project Managerwpower@fortlauderdale.gov 

City of Fort Lauderdale Neighbor Service Center 954-828-8000 or lauderserv@fortlauderdale.gov 

Original source can be found here.