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Project Overview
We’re coordinating utility undergrounding efforts throughout the Las Olas Isles neighborhood to enhance safety and resilience for our neighbors.
- Construction Schedule: Just days after the City Commission approved the ordinance establishing the process for communities seeking undergrounding on May 18, 2010, Las Olas Isles neighbors applied and began efforts to make this project a reality. A groundbreaking ceremony was celebrated on June 14, 2022, officially marking the start of construction. Mayor Dean J. Trantalis and District 2 Commissioner Steve Glassman spoke at the event and have been closely monitoring the project’s progress since then. “Many thanks to the residents for their patience these past twelve years. Getting this project started has been a priority of mine since being elected in 2018,” said Commissioner Glassman. The construction schedule has been extended due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather, additional work, and revisions to the original contract. Following the approval of a recent change order, substantial completion is now expected in September 2023 and final restoration work is expected to be completed by November 2023.
- Contractor & Sub-Contractors: Ferreira, International Drilling, Inc. (IDD), Voss Engineering, OY Underground, and Best Underground.
- Staging Area: The primary contractor, Ferreira, is staging materials and equipment at the corner of Isle of Capri Drive and Mola Avenue.
- Construction Method: Utility conduits are being installed using horizontal directional drilling. This trenchless method is more efficient than traditional open-cut construction and results in less disruption to roads and traffic. Construction is being done primarily from west to east, but some operations may vary due to unforeseen conflicts or tidal impacts.
The following is a recap of the work that has been completed since construction began:
- Primary Conduits: Primary conduits are the main lines that will serve the neighborhood and receive energy from nearby transformers. IDD is performing the directional boring of the primary conduits for FPL, AT&T, and Comcast. The installation of FPL, AT&T, and Comcast primary conduits has been completed along every isle.
- Proofing Conduits and Setting Utility Handholes: This process ensures that the conduits are clear and ready for future cable installation. Voss Engineering hired OY Underground to perform this work, which began on October 21, 2022, on Isle of Capri Drive and is 100% complete.
- Secondary Conduits: Secondary conduits connect to handholes that are connected to primary conduits and provide service to individual meters. IDD hired a subcontractor, Best Underground, to perform smaller drilling operations for the installation of secondary conduits for FPL, AT&T, and Comcast. Best Underground has completed the secondary conduit installation for FPL, AT&T, and Comcast along Isle of Capri Drive, Bontona Avenue, Coconut Isle Drive, Lido Drive, San Marco Drive, Mola Avenue, Coral Way, Royal Plaza Drive, and Isle of Palms Drive.
- Pad-Mounted Transformers: The redesign for the relocation of the pad-mounted transformers feeding 520 Isle of Palm Drive and 600/624 Isle of Palm Drive has been completed. Relocation revisions have been finalized for Mola Avenue, Isle of Capri Drive, Bontona Avenue, Lido Drive, Coconut Isle, Coral Way, San Marco Drive, Royal Plaza Drive, and Isle of Palms Drive. The installation of pad-mounted transformers is complete.
Recently Completed Activities
The following is a look at the work that has taken place over the past few days:
- Completed installing vaults and junction boxes for AT&T and Comcast on San Marco Drive and Coral Way and commenced work on Royal Plaza Drive.
- The missile borers for residential service have been completed on Isle of Palms Drive and are working on Royal Plaza Drive.
- Ferreira completed the installation of handhole and pedestals for AT&T and Comcast on Bontona Avenue, Mola Avenue, Isle of Capri Drive, and Lido Drive and are working on Coconut Isle Drive and San Marco Drive.
- Ferreira/IDD completed installing the 4-inch Comcast conduits on Las Olas Boulevard, which go under the vaults.
- FPL completed locates for proposed streetlights. L&S (FPL’s lighting contractor) confirmed that the proposed locations are feasible, with the exception of one light. They will commence installation the week of July 24th.
- Installed FPL Vista switch vaults within the Isle of Capri Drive median and all along Las Olas Boulevard.
- Ferreira is commencing debris removal on all streets.
Upcoming Activities (Through 7/28/23)
The following is a look at the work that is scheduled to take place over the next few days:
- Complete the installation of vaults and junction boxes for AT&T and Comcast on San Marco Drive and begin installing on Coconut Isle, Coral Way and Royal Plaza Drive.
- Install the chambers at Isle of Capri Drive median, followed by the installation of the two pad-mounted Vista Switch Cabinets. This work has been delayed while the City replaces a section of sewer force main on the north end of Isle of Capri Drive.
- Ferreira will continue installing handholes for AT&T and Comcast on Coconut Isle Drive, San Marco Drive, Coral Way and Royal Plaza Drive.
- Ferreira completed conduit installation for Comcast on Las Olas Boulevard and will commence Comcast vaults on Las Olas Boulevard.
- Ferreira anticipates that the installation of FPL switches within the median on Isle of Capri Drive will be completed within two weeks.
- Ferreira will commence work on FPL feeders and primary cables for the switches on the Las Olas Isles.
- Ferreira will commence electric meter upgrades on Isle of Capri Drive in preparation for the power conversion.
- Mola Avenue, Isle of Capri Drive and Bontona Avenue will be released to AT&T and Comcast for cable prewiring.
Access
As crews work on installing new FPL electric service connections and AT&T and Comcast conduit connections to individual residences, they will require access to the exterior of properties where this work is taking place. Access inside homes is not required, and all construction team members will have visible proof of identification. Click here to see a flyer with additional details about this work.
Traffic Impacts
- A single lane along each isle may be closed during work hours. Traffic control personnel will assist motorists as needed. Please follow posted signs and drive with caution in the area.
- There may be times when equipment or materials temporarily block access to driveways during work hours. Crews in the field will coordinate with neighbors during these situations.
- Driveway and roadway access will be restored at the end of each work shift.
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and thank our neighbors for their continued patience as we work to complete this project as quickly as possible.
For more information or questions, contact:
Gary Foster, Senior Project Manager
954-828-6233 or gfoster@fortlauderdale.gov
City of Fort Lauderdale 24-Hour Neighbor Service Center
954-828-8000 or lauderserv@fortlauderdale.gov
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