The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) is undertaking a crucial project to replace the aging transmission main in Plantation Key, ensuring the continued delivery of clean drinking water to local residents and businesses.
The project, set to run through until November 2026, involves replacing 6 miles of an outdated 30-inch transmission main with a new, 36-inch cathodically-protected steel water main.
The existing transmission main has outlived its expected lifespan, and as pipes age, they become increasingly susceptible to corrosion, leaks, and other forms of damage.
This project will significantly reduce the risks of water contamination and service interruptions caused by these vulnerabilities.
The new steel pipe is specifically designed to withstand the harsh local soil conditions and tidal flows, ensuring a reliable water supply for years to come.
The installation of the 22,000 feet of pipe will be conducted in phases along US 1, from Snake Creek to Julep Road.
Crews will be working 24/7, Monday through Friday, and will pause for major holidays and inclement weather. Weekend work may occur as needed.
While the work progresses, a rolling lane closure will be in place north of Snake Creek Bridge, shifting traffic to use the median.
The traffic control plan, approved by the Florida Department of Transportation, ensures one lane of traffic will remain open in both directions, with speed limits reduced to 35 miles per hour through the work zones.
At the Tavernier Creek Crossing, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) will be used to install the new underwater pipe.
This work requires continuous operation, sometimes extending into the night, and the associated traffic control plan will remain in place 24/7.
The use of HDD means there will be no planned road closures or detours, and the traffic lights will function as usual to minimise disruption.
As work continues through 2026, the FKAA aims to enhance the reliability of Plantation Key’s water infrastructure, delivering cleaner, safer water to the community for decades to come.
Do you have news for the international trenchless industry? Contact Journalist Gerald Lynch at gerald.lynch@primecreative.com.au
