West Avenue Phase II update
We want to share the latest updates regarding the West Avenue Phase II Street Improvement Project, which will start later this month (June 2025).
WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE DURING CONSTRUCTION?
Key work includes the following:
Replacement of all the below ground infrastructure (Water Main, Sewer and the Stormwater system)
Connect the stormwater network to the new 120,000 gallon capacity pumps being finalized in the parking lot next to the post office.
Add multiple underground pumps throughout the area to filter the water collected through the stormwater system before it goes to the pumps and eventually the bay, via the canal at 17 and West.
This is a far superior system to what has been used previously. It is likely the largest pump system in South East Florida able to drain the equivalent of six full size public pools in less than a minute. The capacity of the underground stormwater system is also greatly improved with pipes between 72 inches and 96 inches.
At the same time, we are raising the streets to a level that will keep the public areas dry for many decades. The finished construction will include new sidewalk, landscaping and lighting.
This project covers the area between Waverly, 14th Street in the South all the way to the canal / 17th Street.
WHERE IS CONSTRUCTION GOING TO TAKE PLACE?
The work is scheduled by segment.
Segment one covers what you have been seeing for a few months (West Avenue between Lincoln Rd and 17th Street and the pump area in the parking lot next to the post office.
That section of West Avenue will reopen partially depending on the need of construction but keep in mind that West Avenue will pretty much be unavailable as a way to go get through the area until the end of the project as other parts of West Avenue will eventually be worked on.
Access to all businesses, residents will be maintained during the construction.
The parking lot next to the post office will remain closed until the end of the project (3 to 3 ½ years).
The next phase is going to cover segments 2 and 3 and should start on or around June 16.
Image: Construction segments
It includes:
Lincoln Road from Alton Road to the Bay
Bay Road from Lincoln Road to the Canal
Lincoln Court
16th Street from Alton Road to Bay Road.
West Avenue from 16th Street to Lincoln Road
Alton Court (alley) between 16th Street and Lincoln Road.
HOW LONG IS IT GOING TO TAKE AND HOW IS THIS GOING TO PROGRESS:
We expect the work on segments 2 and 3 to take about 10 to 12 months. This does not mean that all the areas will be shut down all at once. Access will be maintained throughout the area for all residents and businesses.
Expect 3 to 3.5 years to finish the full West Avenue Phase II project, including all the remaining segments south of the Waverley / 14th street.
HOW IS THE CONTRACTOR GOING TO WORK?:
3 teams will work on this phase:
Starting from 16th Street and Alton Going West
Starting from Lincoln and Alton going West
Lincoln Court.
If all goes well, the team will process as follows from East to West:
Replacement of water line
Replacement of the sewer line
Replacement/installation of the stormwater system
Raising of street and harmonization.
The construction of the wells/additional filter system will be handled separately.
As these teams progress, they will most likely hit some hurdles as the full and exact layout underground is not necessarily known or accurate on the existing plans (this includes third parties such as FPL, Cable companies, AT&T etc.). It might appear as though a crew has stopped working in one area, but it could mean there is an obstacle that needs engineers to determine a workaround, and the team is relocated to a different area to continue working.
A team will be dedicated to facilitate traffic during construction, including access for deliveries, trash pick up etc. Enhanced signage is planned during this area.
HOW CAN I STAY INFORMED:
There will be a zoom meeting for the residents of Segment 2 and 3 scheduled for June 11. We will share the zoom information as soon as it is available.
The purpose of this meeting is NOT to answer questions about a specific property. There are too many properties impacted to answer these specific questions. If any of these questions is raised, it will be put on “Standby” for the team to get back to you so the meeting can stay focus on the project in general, but all specific questions will get a follow up.
You can also reach out to Heather Leslie, who is going to coordinate all interactions with the residents for this project. Save her contact information: Heather M. Leslie, Public Information Liaison : Call/text 305.905.5876 or email: heather@hmlpublicoutreach.com
If you live in a condo, in order to avoid confusion, please try to relay your question or communication through your Condo Board so they can get in touch with Heather.
The city will also update its information on their website at:
This section will include regular updates, most likely every 2 weeks.
WHAT ABOUT PARKING DURING CONSTRUCTION:
As this project is moving forward, the resident parking for Zone 12 will be suspended during the time of construction. It does not mean that no parking will be allowed but that it will be adjusted as needed based on the work of the different times.
The city made plans to subsidize part of the cost of parking at the 1212 Parking garage. This will not be free parking, but it will be largely discounted. Only residents affected by this project and already on the street parking Zone 12 program will have access to this program. Details about how to access this program will be released by the city.
If you have special needs (handicap, etc) please contact Heather Leslie (see contact above) so that other options can be considered.
Sobe West is working with a local developer/Landowner to provide additional parking options.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR MY PROPERTY:
The project team will try to contact you so that you have probably about 2 weeks’ notice before anything gets done directly in front of your property/in the right of way. At that time, you will be able to review what can affect your property directly.
The contractor will do its best to help you secure your property. If a fence is removed, a chain link fence could be installed to help you secure your property assuming it was secured before.
The Police department is also aware of the project and will increase the patrol in the construction area.
RECAP:
Please make sure to attend the city meeting on June 11 via zoom. We will try to get a copy to be saved and provide it via a link if you are unable to be available at that time.
If you do not currently receive the notice from the city about West Avenue Phase 2 please send an email to theboard@sobewest.com and we will make sure to ask the city to add you to list of residents for West Avenue Phase 2 update. Please share: Name, Address, email.
Always feel free to reach out to us if you have any issues we can help with regarding this project: theboard@sobewest.com