PALM BAY, Florida – Brevard County Public Works Director John Denninghoff announced today that a project begun April 7 to replace a collapsed steel drain pipe is nearly complete, and the county has targeted May 9 to reopen Palm Bay Road to traffic – more than 4 weeks ahead of schedule.
“All aspects of the project have been completed thus far with exceptional efficiency,” Denninghoff said. “Thus, as of today, we have revised our projected completion date for restoration of traffic flow, which previously was June 11, to May 9. This dramatic change date is due to superior performance on the part of those on the job site together with many others working tirelessly and expertly to assure the job is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
It’s estimated 75,000 motorists a day use Palm Bay Road. Since the project officially got underway at 10 p.m. April 7, motorists have faced detours and had to use alternate routes.
Some work will still be needed about 30 days after the road reopens. That includes nighttime milling and resurfacing work to fully restore the area’s pavement, not just the trench area.
“The last of the asphalt work will be completed at night without general road closure — just individual lanes — to avoid severe traffic impacts,” Denninghoff said. “So, as the work progresses, watch for those milestone accomplishments to gauge our progress.”