FKAA water-main replacement reaches Tavernier, U.S. 1 drivers face traffic advisories

FKAA crews moved a major phase of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority water-main replacement into Tavernier in mid-February, installing and tying in a new 36-inch transmission main along U.S. 1 and prompting traffic controls for drivers between the southern end of the Tavernier Creek Bridge and Ocean Boulevard. FKAA noted work started north of Tavernier Creek Crossing earlier in February and local reporting showed crews began tie-in activity around Feb. 17.

The authority issued a specific traffic advisory: "While the new pipe is being installed, beginning 6 a.m. February 17, 2026, and continuing for approximately 7-10 days, access to the south exit of Tavernier Towne Shopping Plaza will be impacted due to ongoing FKAA roadwork to replace the drinking water pipe." FKAA added that "During this time, entering from the north and exiting north will be restricted. Motorists are encouraged to use the Ocean Boulevard entrance and exit as an alternate route." Florida Department of Transportation restrictions accompany the work: "Left‑hand turns in the work zone are prohibited by the Florida Department of Transportation," and the posted speed limit through the work zone is 35 mph, with rolling lane closures in place.

The current FKAA phase replaces an aging 30-inch transmission main with a "36‑inch cathodically‑protected steel main" across roughly 6 miles from the Snake Creek Bridge at the southern end of Plantation Key to Julep Road in Tavernier. FKAA reported construction progress numbers: "As of February 13, 2026, there has been 28,259 feet of new pipe installed." The authority broke that down: "That’s 26,159 feet of pipe along US 1 installed via open cut trench and 2,100 feet of HDPE installed underwater at Tavernier Creek Crossing." FKAA set a new target after schedule shifts: "The goal is to install a total of 34,205 feet of new pipe by April 2026 (extended from March 2026)."

Installation methods reported across documents include open-cut trenching along U.S. 1, 2,100 feet of HDPE placed underwater at Tavernier Creek Crossing, and horizontal directional drill installations at Tea Table Relief (MM 79.5) and the Tavernier Creek Bridge. Keysweekly noted the project will be storm-hardy: "The pipe will be protected from high winds and storm surges." Contractors have been working through Upper Matecumbe and Windley Keys, and Keysweekly reported crews "recently finished placing several miles of new water transmission main from the southern end of Plantation Key at Snake Creek Bridge to Tavernier Creek Bridge."

FKAA moved the scheduled completion for pipe installation from March to April 2026. The authority explained the change bluntly: "Pipe installation, originally scheduled to be completed in March 2026, is now estimated to be completed in April 2026. The delay is due to the high ground water levels, especially during King Tides, and unforeseen utility line conflicts." Local motorists have reported backups most acute from 3 to 6 p.m. as one lane remains shut between the southern end of Tavernier Creek Bridge and Ocean Boulevard while crews work.

The multi‑year program has already placed more than 10 miles of new transmission main since 2023, and Keysweekly reported the replacement is costly: "A pricey replacement, each mile of new pipe costs $10 million." FKAA materials include phase maps and traffic flow diagrams and the agency said the "Traffic control plan has been approved by the Florida Department of Transportation." FKAA added it will continue updates as work proceeds: "As work continues, we will keep you updated every step of the way.