March 8, 2023 Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Aimee Adler Cooke (561) 302-6902 (or) aimee@conceptualpr.com 

Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority to Begin Islamorada Transmission Main Replacement Project in April 2023

Teatable Crossing 42-inch HDPE Pipe 7 

Key West, FL (March 8, 2023) – In April 2023, the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) will begin the Islamorada Transmission Main Replacement Project. Approximately four miles of the original 30” transmission main, that’s 40 years old, will be replaced with a 36” cathodically protected pipe. Additionally, the mains at the Tea Table Relief and Whale Harbor bridge crossings will be installed underwater to protect them from high winds and storm surges. 

“Providing clean drinking water to our customers, regardless of climate-related disruptions, is our top priority,” said Greg Veliz, Executive Director of the FKAA. “As pipes age they become more susceptible to corrosion and leaks, that’s why we’re being proactive and replacing this section of our 130-mile transmission main now.” 

In April 2023, crews will begin installing the new transmission main near MM 79.5 at the south end of Islamorada and work north along US 1 to just south of Whale Harbor Channel near MM 84. Work will take place 24-hours a day, Monday through Friday. One northbound and one southbound lane will remain open along US 1 throughout the project, and bike lane access will remain available. The bay side portion of the Heritage Trail will be closed, but a crosswalk to the ocean side of the trail will be maintained through March 2024. The project will be completed in February 2025 however traffic impacts are expected to lessen after March 2024. 

For more information about the Islamorada Transmission Main Replacement Project visit https://bit.ly/islamoradaproject or follow the FKAA on Facebook and Twitter. If you have questions, please contact a local, FKAA customer service representative by calling (833) 588-5865 or emailing community@fkaa.com. After-hours support is available at (305) 296- 2454. 

ABOUT THE FLORIDA KEYS AQUEDUCT AUTHORITY (FKAA) Headquartered in Key West, Florida, the FKAA is the water service provider for the Florida Keys, supplying potable water to all residents while providing reclaimed water and wastewater services in select areas. The team’s dedication to their customers is reflected in their extensive water quality protection program, their water supply planning, commitment to conserving precious natural resources, and their superior local customer service. To learn more visit https://www.fkaa.com/, follow the FKAA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FKAAwater/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/FKAAwater.