PALM BAY, Florida — Palm Bay Road re-opened to motorists this morning following the completion of a project to replace a collapsed stormwater drain at the roadway’s intersection with Minton Road.
The project, initially projected to begin March 24, officially began at 10 a.m. April 7 and was targeted for completion June 11. With today’s re-opening, Brevard County Public works not only shaved two weeks off the front end of the project, but also cut a month off the targeted completion date. And the project, which was estimated to cost as much as $850,000, will be completed at a cost of about $600,000.
Brevard County Public Works Director John Denninghoff credited coordination between vendors and the county, hard and steadfast work by county road crews and cooperation between the County and city leaders and law enforcement agencies of Palm Bay and West Melbourne, along with Melbourne-Tillman staff, with today’s re-opening.
An estimated 75,000 motorists who use the roadway daily have had to use alternate routes to reach their work, homes and area businesses while the project was underway.
The work involved replacement of a steel stormwater drain pipe that was discovered on the verge of collapse in February beneath Palm Bay Road at Minton Road. The area is a high-traffic area that feeds traffic through a busy business corridor, residential areas and to nearby Interstate 95.
“I have been involved with thousands of projects in my career and seen impressive construction efforts many times, but the effort in this case has been successful beyond the most wild expectations of even the most optimistic and knowledgeable individuals in this field of endeavor,” Denninghoff said. “I am very proud to have been associated with the staff that were central to accomplishing this repair.”
Brevard County Commissioner Andy Anderson called it a “model project.” He expressed thanks to citizens for the patience while work was underway, and also commended the road crews for their hard work.
Commissioner Trudie Infantini thanked fellow Commissioners “for their cooperation recognizing the urgency for funding the repairs of Palm Bay Road, a major artery in my district, District 3. And obviously for the efforts of Brevard County Road and Bridge staff. Those guys worked seven days a week to get this done!”
Denninghoff said few delays were encountered. Even the weather cooperated.