Las Olas Isles Utility Undergrounding Project Updates

Temporary Power Outage Notice

Beginning the week of Monday, November 6, 2023, crews are ready to convert individual properties from the existing overhead power to the new underground power. This process requires shutting off power to each residence for up to 2 hours (minimum shutoff time is 30 minutes). Crews will attempt to knock on the door and let residents know in advance of the power shutoff at each property.

Residents with special needs (necessary equipment, dialysis machines, etc.) that cannot be disabled should contact Senior Project Manager Gary Foster at 954-828-6233 or [email protected] as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.

This power conversion process will only take place in the exterior of each home as crews will need to access the existing meters and connection points. Access inside homes is not required and all construction team members will have visible proof of identification.

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 all streets. The missile borers for residential service have been completed on all streets. Ferreira completed the installation of handhole and pedestals for AT&T and Comcast on all streets.
• 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) has completed the installation of the junction boxes that go next to each streetlight. Streetlight poles have been staged on Las Olas Boulevard. Streetlights will not be installed until the wood poles are removed as they will be installed in the same holes.
• Completed installation of FPL Vista switches within the Isle of Capri Drive median and all along Las Olas Boulevard.
• Ferreira has completed debris removal and asphalt patches on all streets.
• Ferreira completed work on FPL feeders and primary cables for the switches on Las Olas Boulevard.
• FPL has energized the transformers on Mola Avenue, Isle of Capri Drive, and Bontona Avenue.

Upcoming Activities (Through 12/1/23)

The following is a look at the work that is scheduled to take place over the next few days:

• Ferreira will commence electric meter upgrades on all streets in preparation for the power conversion. Some residences will have grounding stakes installed to bring them up to code.
• Comcast has completed the pre-wiring on all streets and has commenced individual residence fiber optic wiring on all streets. AT&T has commenced pre-wiring.
• Ferreira has painted the transformer bases and will continue restoration of areas affected by the work.
• Ferreira commenced work on the feeder and vault on Coconut Isle Drive.
• Ferreira has commenced residence power conversions on Mola Avenue and Isle of Capri Drive.
• Ferreira will complete work on the feeders on Las Olas Boulevard. We are planning to energize one street per week going forward.

Project Overview

• 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. Substantial completion is now expected in December 2023 and final restoration work is expected to be completed by the end of January 2024.
• 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 installation of pad-mounted transformers is complete.

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 [email protected]

City of Fort Lauderdale 24-Hour Neighbor Service Center
954-828-8000 or [email protected]

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