Tina Allen, community outreach representative for the Cortez Bridge Utility Relocation Project, announced Dec. 12, that the project is entering a new phase the week of Dec. 16 which will continue through the month of December.
The new phase of construction requires the installation process to proceed around the clock to avoid the risk of the installation “path” closing or becoming obstructed. They also hope to avoid having the reaming equipment “stuck mid-path” by continuing 24-hour operations until reaming of the pilot hole and pulling the fused pipe through the intracoastal crossing is complete.
At both the west and east ends of the bridge, the contractor will be fusing pipes in prepration for the pipe installation.
Also, with the reaming equipment, the contractor will begin enlaring the newly drilled pilot hole, subsequently pulling the pipe back through the path.
On Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, after press time for The Islander, the contractor will be transporting pipes on Cortez Road West and staging materials behind a temporary barrier wall in the right of way on the south side of Cortez Road, east of the bridge.
East- and westbound traffic lanes will remain open with intermittent flagging operations between 124th Street West and 123rd Street Court West.
Motorists and neighbors of the project are asked to remain mindful of construction vehicles and crews and activities in the construction zone, including loud noise from equipment, backup alarms and verbal communications from the crews.
There also will be stationary lights in place and bright lights from construction equipment and vehicles in the work zone.
For more information, contact Tina Allen, community outreach representative for the project, at 941-306-4660 or info@amiprojects.io.