A project to replace 6 miles of aged water main resumed in the Upper Keys the evening of March 2, as crews began preparations to work just north of Snake Creek Bridge at MM 86 in Islamorada.
Motorists traveling north through the work zone this week were diverted to the median on U.S. 1, as a 3,000-foot rolling lane was created to allow crews room to dig a trench and place a new pipe along the northbound side of the road. Southbound traffic largely remained uninterrupted from the work.
A week before, crews were preparing to install a new transmission pipe underwater at Tavernier Creek Bridge around MM 91. To allow for the work, U.S. 1 northbound lanes were completely closed off for roughly a mile between Coral Shores High School and Tavernier Towne Center. Northbound traffic was diverted to a southbound lane on U.S. 1 — four lanes of traffic in the area were essentially reduced to two. The new traffic pattern brought backups extending several miles during certain points of the day on Feb. 24 and 25.
Florida Department of Transportation officials ultimately stepped in, telling the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and its contractors to postpone work at MM 91 and reopen all lanes of traffic to alleviate the congestion. FDOT said it remains committed to working with FKAA to minimize the effects on drivers. Motorists, however, should still expect delays as crews work north from Snake Creek Bridge.
Greg Veliz, FKAA executive director, recently told Keys Weekly the project was timed so that work to install the water main across from Coral Shores High School would take place in the summer, so it wouldn’t affect students and staff in the fall. Veliz also said they’re looking to open up a northbound lane on U.S. 1 when crews return to MM 91 to install pipes underwater at Tavernier Creek Bridge.
Crews are expected to be working around the clock Monday through Friday, with exception of major holidays, events and inclement weather. FKAA says crews will move north in 1,000-foot increments as the pipes get installed. Access to all businesses will be maintained. Businesses will also be notified in advance of work taking place in their area.
FDOT says left-hand turns are not permitted in the work zone. Motorists should continue past the intended destination, make a U-turn when it’s safe and legal to do so, then turn right into the destination.
According to FKAA, the project to install some 22,000 feet of new pipe from Snake Creek Bridge to Julep Road in Tavernier will last through November 2026. FKAA says the current water main carrying drinking water from a plant in Florida City to Keys faucets has reached its lifespan. Crews are replacing the old 30-inch main with a new 36-inch pipe.
