Billie Street, High Street and Kunze Street Utility Improvements and Reconstruction Project
The City of Fort Myers is currently working on a utility project in your area on Billie Street, High Street and Kunze Street. The City will install new sanitary sewer pipe and make storm drainage improvements. Crews also will improve and expand stormwater capacity of ponds near the north end of Billie Street. Once the sewer and storm drain systems are installed, roadways will be restored. Work is expected to occur weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however, some night and weekend work may be necessary. This project is expected to be completed in fall 2022.
What to Expect During Utility Activities
Initially, crews will video the area to document existing conditions. Demolition will begin and include removal of some asphalt roadway, personal property items, and some driveway aprons within the right-of-way (ROW).
After the ROW has been cleared, crews are expected to install sanitary sewer. The process of installing the new underground utilities will require the use of multiple pumps to remove the water from the pipe trench. The pumps will need to run 24 hours a day and can be noisy. The contractor will make every effort to place the pumps in areas that are the least intrusive to residential properties; however, the location of these pumps will be determined by construction activities and may not be adjustable. The pumps will move as pipe installation progresses.
Once all sewer lines are installed, they will be inspected and approved prior to individual connections. After individual sanitary sewer connections have been completed, crews will then install the storm drainage improvements. The contractor will need to cross some side streets with pipe which will require residents to use alternate routes or detours to reach their properties during this activity.
What to Expect During Roadway Activities
Once the utility work is complete, crews will rebuild the road. Access for residences will be maintained, although you may need to alter your usual route during construction. The location of work can shift daily, so please be aware of where the construction work is occurring, as you may need to access your property from a different direction. Traffic detours and signage will be visible but may shift with the roadwork.
During the final stages of the road construction, the disturbed driveway aprons will be replaced, and disturbed ROW will be re-sodded. Upon completion, a final layer of asphalt will be installed to provide a smooth finished surface.
Right-Of-Way(ROW)
ROW: Prior to the start of construction, a survey crew will stake the ROW line on Billie Street, High Street, and Kunze Street. Look for wood stakes marked with “R/W” and a flag as these stakes will help you determine if you have personal property items (lighting, irrigation, landscape, or decorative features) located in the ROW. The planned improvements will require removal of personal property items in the ROW. Mailboxes may be temporarily relocated during construction and will be reinstalled during restoration at the end of the project. Other personal items in the ROW such as trees, bushes, some monument mailboxes, and decorative items may be removed by the contractor and will not be reinstalled. If you have questions about items in the ROW, please contact the City’s public information consultant, Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. at (239) 337-1071, or email [email protected].
All personal property items in the ROW must be removed or relocated by the owner no later than January 6, 2022. Any personal property in the ROW after January 6, 2022, may be removed and disposed of by the contractor.
Planned Water Shut-Off
Planned Water Shut Offs: Water main relocations and water shut offs are expected as a part of this project. Immediately following the water shut off, you will be required to boil your water until bacteriological tests have been taken and cleared. This boil water period usually lasts three to five days. You will receive a written notice of planned water shut offs via flyer, and another flyer once the boil water notice has been rescinded and the water is safe to drink. You may want to keep bottled water on hand in case of an emergency water line break. Residents and businesses along and near the project should also plan for unexpected water shut offs. Every effort will be made to keep this time to a minimum.
Access For Services
The construction team is coordinating with emergency and municipal services, LeeTran and Lee County School Transportation. During construction, the City’s contractor will maintain public services such as mail delivery, garbage/recycle and bus services. Police/Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be notified of road closures and water shut offs. If there is someone in your home or at your business who requires special needs transportation services, please contact the City’s public information consultant, Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. at (239) 337-1071, or email [email protected].