INSTALLATION OF NEW WATER MAIN CLOSES SOUTHBOUND LANE

Traffic Change Will Last Through 2024

agreement to install a new playground at Library Beach Park, located behind the Islamorada library at 84 Johnston Road. Last April, the village applied for funding through the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC) in order to replace a deteriorating playground. The TDC granted the village $246,960 for new playground equipment. According to a staff report, the project wouldn’t exceed $481,305. If approved, the village would fund the other half of the project, roughly $234,345, through local government discretionary sales surtax.

Village officials issued a request for proposals for the playground project last January, which followed with an evaluation committee recommending the Fort Myers-based Playmore West Inc. The committee picked a design that includes more inclusive playground features, with swings, slides, climbers, benches and games like tic-tac-toe.

Council members will also consider a resolution to approve a work authorization for ongoing improvements at Green Turtle Hammock Preserve. Design and permitting are nearing completion for improvements, which include an ADA-compliant kayak launch, dock, access to the waterfront, restroom, parking and observation tower. A request for proposals for project construction is expected this month. The resolution seeks approval of construction engineering and inspection services by CPH Inc., at a cost not to exceed $45,135. The village is using $325,000 from the village’s capital project fund for the project.

Aproject to replace roughly 4 miles of worn water main in Islamorada is progressing ahead of schedule, according to Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority officials.

Motorists traversing the construction area aren’t only seeing crews, dug-up land and new pipe. They’re also dealing with a new traffic pattern along MM 80, which has the southbound lane closed to allow for installation of new water pipes. The closure began May 1.

According to Aimee Adler Cooke, project spokeswoman, the southbound lane closure near MM 80.3 will last through March 2024. Both lanes of traffic will still flow on U.S. 1, although they could see congestion at times. Bike lanes will also remain open. The bayside portion of the Heritage Trail will be closed, but a crosswalk to the oceanside of the trail will be maintained through March 2024.

Since April 28, around 1,300 feet of new 36-inch transmission main was installed at MM 80, and 900 feet of new 42-inch pipe was installed under the seabed at Tea Table Relief bridge. The $42-million project spans four miles from MM 79.5 to south of Whale Harbor Channel at MM 84.

“The Islamorada transmission main replacement project is just one project in FKAA’s project pipeline totaling more than $115 million in water infrastructure improvements,” said Greg Veliz, FKAA executive director. “While each project is important because it strengthens our drinking water system, we will remain mindful of traffic mitigation and do our abso- lute best to accommodate residents, businesses and visitors.”

Crews will work around the clock Monday through Friday to replace the transmission main between MM 80 and MM 84. The work will pause for major holidays and events. The transmission line replacement is slated for completion in February 2025, but traffic impacts are expected to lessen after March 2024.

More information is at bit.ly/ islamoradaproject or follow the FKAA on Facebook and Twitter. Those with questions can contact a FKAA customer service representative at 833-5885865 or via email to community@fkaa. com. After-hours support is available at 305-296-2454.