Stormwater Project Underway at Heathwood and San Marco Road

Marco Island residents should be aware of the presence of construction over the next several weeks, as work has commenced at the intersection of Bald Eagle/Heathwood and San Marco Road. The work will involve major improvements to the storm water system, as the Public Works Department continues its commitment to improve the island’s storm water issues.

“We have been fortunate in obtaining some grants and other financial assistance to help cover some of the costs of completing this project,” said Marco Island Public Works Director Tim Pinter. According to Pinter, the entire intersection will be completely rebuilt, with the assistance of a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant, and through a Florida Emergency Management’s Hazard Mitigation grant, which the city applied for following Hurricane Irma.

Residents will remember the severe flooding during the storm surge created by Hurricane Irma. Those waters could be seen creeping up into the bays of Fire Station 50, and had it continued, emergency responses from that location could have been impacted. Throughout the years, this area had been prone to flooding during heavy tropical storms.

There has been an ongoing, city-wide program to improve stormwater drainage to mitigate roadway flooding. 

The large stormwater culverts, precast cement vaults and other materials that will be used to make improvements to the existing stormwater drainage, have already been delivered to the site. 

In addition to storm water improvements, the entire area will undergo a milling and repaving project to create a safer roadway, as well as all new curbs and gutters and ADA-compliant sidewalk improvements.

Drivers should be aware that there will be roadway and lane closures, as well as detours, during the time that the project is active. Bicyclists and motorcyclists are cautioned of the uneven roadway surfaces in the area and are encouraged to find an alternate route, if possible.

The Coastal Breeze News will post updates on its social media platforms as well as in future editions to update readers on the project’s progress. Visit our Facebook page as well as www.coastalbreezenews.com to stay abreast of breaking news for the Greater Marco Island area.