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CRA gets update on Broadway utility burial: FPL work underway, phase‑2 cost estimated at $3.4 million
Summary
Staff reported progress on burying overhead utilities along U.S. 1/Broadway. FPL has begun field work; AT&T work is scheduled later this year. Phase‑2 total was presented as approximately $3.4 million; half the required easements are recorded.
City and consultant staff gave the CRA board a status update Feb. 12 on the Broadway utility burial project, an effort to remove overhead lines and poles along U.S. 1 from 11th Street northward.
The project is divided into two phases. Phase 1 — the undergrounding of communications lines for companies such as Level 3, FiberLyte and Comcast — is complete. Phase 2 covers undergrounding work for Florida Power & Light (FPL) and AT&T, plus private service connections, landscape restoration and above‑ground equipment placement on private easements.
Why it matters: The utility burial is intended to improve corridor aesthetics and support streetscape and redevelopment projects along Broadway; the CRA and other property owners must grant easements for above‑ground equipment such as transformers and switch cabinets.
Schedule and scope: Consultant Susan Dombrowski of Chen & Associates said FPL had commenced field work — survey and utility coordination — and expects to begin installing conduits and pipes the coming Monday, with FPL’s construction work planned to finish in September. Dombrowski said AT&T expects to start in May and finish in August. Private connections, landscaping and right‑of‑way restoration are expected to finish by the end of 2025 but could extend into 2026.
Budget and easements: Dombrowski presented budget figures: Phase 1 cost $1.1 million; FPL construction previously paid $2.398 million. Phase‑2 items cited included an AT&T construction estimate of $300,000 (pending bids), project management of $92,000, private connections of $300,000 and right‑of‑way restoration; the total phase‑2 budget presented was about $3.4 million, including contingency. She said roughly half of the necessary private easements are obtained and recorded, with most others agreed and near finalization.
Board questions and arts coordination: Commissioners asked about traffic impacts during construction and whether the CRA’s Arts in Public Places program could coordinate beautification of above‑ground cabinets and transformers. Staff said they would coordinate landscaping and explore art treatments for switch boxes and transformer enclosures, and that FDOT is leading traffic approvals. Dombrowski cautioned that hurricane‑season storm events could change the schedule.
Next steps: Staff expects to return in March with a recommendation of award for a construction package (conduits/handholds, restoration and landscape). The board did not take a formal vote on the status update.
