The Florida DOT (FDOT) is constructing a permanent pedestrian bridge over U.S. 1/Overseas Highway at Founders Park, Mile Marker 87 in Islamorada in the Florida Keys.
This project will improve safety by providing a pedestrian connection over S.R. 5/U.S. 1/Overseas Highway between the north and south sides of the highway.
The bridge construction project was originally requested by the Village Council in 2017 with the support of Monroe County, other county municipalities, and the expressed support of the majority of residents that provided input when the proposed bridge was addressed at several public meetings. At the October 1, 2020 Regular Village Council Meeting, FDOT provided and update on the status of the project.
The work to be performed includes relocating utilities; realigning the path along the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (FKOHT); widening the shoulders; constructing concrete barrier walls; installing the pedestrian bridge over S.R. 5/U.S. 1/Overseas Highway; installing a sidewalk along Old Highway from the pedestrian bridge to Treasure Village Montessori; and repaving and re-striping the roadway.
The design-build project officially began May 22, 2020. Although construction is not yet evident to those passing by on the highway or the bike path, underground work and utility work has begun. The Florida Keys Electric Coop (FKEC) relocation of electric utility infrastructure is underway, and the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) is scheduled to complete the water main relocation by October.
This FDOT design-build project will cost an estimated $4.68 million and take about two years to complete, weather permitting.
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SOURCE: Islamorada, Village of Islands, Florida
