Construction crews will be taking over Palm Avenue come early September, wielding heavy machinery to install a new water meter on SW 11th Avenue, north of the swing bridge over the North Fork of the New River. In a recent news release from the City of Fort Lauderdale, the project will start on Wednesday, September 3, at the witching hour of 11 p.m. and is expected to wrap up by the crack of dawn on Thursday, September 4.
The work, inadvertently disrupting those who travel daily through Sailboat Bend, will see asphalt restored where needed after the installation. Residents were warned that the timing is subject to shuffle around based on the whims of the weather or, as the city puts it, "other unforeseen circumstances." Drivers should expect detours as Palm Avenue/SW 11th Avenue will be closed between Waverly Road and the swing bridge during nighttime hours.
Traffic will be rerouted to less scenic byways, including W. Las Olas Boulevard, SW 4th Avenue, Davie Boulevard, and a slew of SW streets that will temporarily shoulder the burden of redirected cars. The city's official correspondence on this was clear: "Please follow posted signs and drive with caution in the area." And for those caught up in the inconvenience, the city extends its apologies and a thank you for the patience expected to be demonstrated while the installation is executed, according to the same news release.
Officials will provide updates on the project’s progress and announce when Palm Avenue is scheduled to reopen. Residents seeking more information or wishing to leave feedback may contact Fort Lauderdale Distribution & Collection Chief Kenneth Smith at 954-828-7727 or [email protected]. The City of Fort Lauderdale Customer Service Center is also available at 954-828-8000 or [email protected].
