As contractors continue installing new and larger water transmission main into the ground on Islamorada’s Plantation Key, another crew began work to install a new pipe underwater at Tavernier Creek Bridge beginning on March 9.
Traffic heading north slowed as one U.S. 1 lane was shut down between Royal Poinciana and Ocean boulevards to let the work continue. On Wednesday, the Florida Department of Transportation allowed the single northbound lane on U.S. 1 to resume back to two lanes south of Ocean Boulevard. This change is expected to reduce northbound traffic delays along U.S. 1.
Vehicles traveling south were unimpeded from the work at Tavernier Creek Bridge as two lanes remain open.
Motorists are still able to access the Old Highway from U.S. 1, although a “local traffic only” sign was posted for motorists accessing the Old Highway from U.S. 1 to reach Bessie Drive and other side streets. Those driving north from Plantation Key Colony can still make a left-hand turn to get out onto U.S. 1.
“We kindly ask motorists to avoid using the Old Highway as an alternate route,” FKAA said in a statement on Wednesday. When drivers re-enter U.S. 1 from side streets, red traffic signal times along U.S. 1 are longer and this causes delays. Sticking to U.S. 1 will help keep traffic flowing more efficiently.”
Work to install a pipe underwater at Tavernier Creek Bridge originally kicked off Feb. 24. At that time, two northbound lanes were closed off, forcing traffic into a southbound lane. Traffic backups spanning miles resulted in a brief postponement, as requested by state transportation officials on Feb. 25, in order to come up with a different plan to let traffic flow.
The new traffic pattern was recently approved by the Florida Department of Transportation in coordination with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County School District.
Contractors are replacing some 22,000 feet of aged pipe with a new, 36-inch steel water main. The new line is cathodically-protected, meaning an electrical current connected to the pipe holds negative ions to prevent corrosion. Pipes are being placed from Julep Road in Tavernier to Snake Creek Bridge in Islamorada.
While one crew is working at Tavernier Creek Bridge, another is working simultaneously at the south end of the project just north of Snake Creek Bridge. The crew will work during the day to install the pipe underwater; nighttime work may be needed from time to time.
FKAA says it will take two to three months for the pipe to be installed underwater at Tavernier Creek Bridge. After that, work to install the pipe along U.S. 1 in front of Plantation Key School and Coral Shores High School is scheduled to begin later in May.
