U.S. 1 Single-Lane Closures Begin Feb. 17 in Marathon for Deep-Well Piping

The City of Marathon began a first‑phase construction operation on Feb. 17 that requires temporary single‑lane closures along U.S. 1 as crews install piping for a court‑mandated deep injection well system." The work is tied to a multi‑phase effort to replace shallow wastewater disposal and to modernize the city’s effluent system.

Keysweekly described the project as court‑mandated and framed the objective plainly: "The city of Marathon is starting a court‑mandated deep injection well project to modernize its wastewater effluent disposal system and enhance long‑term environmental protection." The initial construction activity is focused inside Marathon city limits along the Overseas Highway corridor.

Traffic impacts begin in a defined stretch of the island: "Closures will occur on segments of U.S. 1 from Marathon Community Park to the Vaca Cut Bridge." Keysweekly names the very first work zone: "The first closure will occur from Aviation Boulevard to the Airport Access Road." That segment places crews and lane restrictions adjacent to airport access and near community facilities on the north end of Marathon.

Motorists should expect persistent restrictions while crews occupy each segment. Keysweekly warns: "Motorists should expect delays as 24‑hour lane closures will be in effect for the duration of the project." The news release also notes a shifting pattern for the work zones: "Closures will shift along the corridor every six to eight weeks," meaning the Aviation Boulevard to Airport Access Road closure will move after a multi‑week period of work.

Construction methods and contractor assignments are specified. "This phase includes the installation of new underground pipelines using horizontal boring, a trenchless method designed to reduce surface disturbance, limit conflicts with existing utilities and minimize disruptions." To accelerate work, Keysweekly states: "To expedite the project and minimize traffic delays, two boring rigs will operate simultaneously in opposite directions." The notice names the builder and inspector: "DBE Utility Services has been contracted to perform the construction work, with Apex Engineering conducting the construction engineering and inspection services." The release also confirmed that "Construction activities will occur within and adjacent to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) right‑of‑way and will require temporary lane closures."

The public notices leave several operational details unspecified. The materials provided do not clarify whether lane closures will always be single‑lane or whether full closures could occur at times, which exact lanes and directions on U.S. 1 will be affected, the overall project timetable and cost, or the court order specifics that mandated the deep injection well. Notices likewise do not list detour routes, posted alternate routes, or contact numbers for DBE Utility Services, Apex Engineering or the City of Marathon.

For now, Marathon drivers and businesses along the Overseas Highway corridor should plan for ongoing 24‑hour single‑lane closures in active segments, an initial work zone from Aviation Boulevard to Airport Access Road, shifting construction every six to eight weeks, horizontal‑boring operations with two rigs, and contractor oversight by DBE Utility Services and Apex Engineering while work proceeds within FDOT right‑of‑way.