Contractor finds unsuitable material on Frangiro Road; schedule and scope adjusted

Town engineering consultants updated the council on construction progress on Frangiro (Rancho) Road, reporting that drainage installation is complete in Work Zone 1 and ongoing in Work Zone 2 but crews encountered localized pockets of unsuitable materials several feet below grade that cannot be compacted and must be removed and replaced with clean fill.

Gary Rotay of Kimley‑Horn said the unsuitable materials prevent reuse of excavated soils for roadway stabilization, requiring removal, import of clean fill and additional time and cost. Rotay confirmed the first affected patch has been removed and replaced and that the contractor is proceeding; the team has coordinated the change with Stantec and Miami‑Dade County to ensure the re‑build approach is acceptable to the county.

Work Zone timing shifted: Rotay said the duration for the initial zone had been July 2024–November 2025 but was pushed to February 2025 for the affected area, while Work Zone 2 completion moved from October 2024 to March 2025. Staff said they expect to make up time in later phases where possible and will continue monthly updates.

Janet Delgado reported on public outreach and maintenance‑of‑traffic coordination, including work with Cutler Bay Middle School and Rosary Catholic School around drop‑offs/pick‑ups. She said the contractor increased watering for dust control and coordinated concrete pours; staff thanked residents for patience and described the work as dirty but necessary infrastructure improvement.

Staff said the project remains focused on drainage as the critical path and that the contractor will continue to replace unsuitable materials with clean fill and maintain traffic management until completion.