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Commission hears updates, complaints about A1A reconstruction, drainage and landscaping
Summary
Town commissioners received a progress update on the Florida Department of Transportation A1A reconstruction project, were told the current pavement is not final and that drainage and swale work remain, and pressed staff for clearer communication about hedge removal, driveway tie-ins and a projected completion window.
Town Manager Laverty and a town staff member identified only as Pat updated the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach on the Florida Department of Transportation’s A1A reconstruction project and ongoing resident concerns about flooding, landscaping and driveway impacts.
Pat told commissioners the roadway is not yet complete and that additional grading and drainage work remain. “There’s still another inch and a quarter lift, which they’ll crown the road so it goes this way so it runs off of both ways,” Pat said, adding that swales and other side-of-road work still must be completed.
Commissioners and residents described standing water on the east side of A1A after rain and asked what would happen if flooding persisted after the project’s completion. Pat and Laverty replied that some flooding on a barrier island is unavoidable during heavy downpours at high tide but that substantial drainage work remains. Pat said the contractor still has “14 or 15 places on the south end to do drainage,” and that bringing the road to its final crown should reduce ponding.
Commissioners also raised multiple concerns about communication with building managers and residents. Several members said residents need clearer advance notice if hedges that abut the right of way will be removed and whether those plantings can be salvaged. Laverty and Pat said FDOT has told the town hedges abutting the right-of-way were part of the project and that replanting will require FDOT permits; the town will continue to press FDOT for precise guidance.
The commission discussed specific construction impacts in constrained locations where the new bike path or raised sidewalk will change grades adjacent to private driveways. Commissioners warned that driveway transitions and sewer structures near new curbs could leave uneven grades that may require additional contractor work or private property adjustments. Pat acknowledged several “handful of spots where it’s gonna be really difficult” and said the details could extend the contractor’s punch-list work.
On scheduling, Pat estimated a more realistic completion later in the summer, projecting an end-of-August timeframe for substantial completion while noting the contractor has built in rain days that will push the schedule. Commissioners asked staff to keep building managers and condominium associations informed about timing for hedge removal, driveway tie-ins and sidewalk restorations.
Town staff said they will continue to press FDOT and the contractor for clearer communications to building managers, advance notice for affected properties, and fixes to damaged sidewalks and other work items before final acceptance of the project.
