Fort Lauderdale launches Brickell Drive stormwater improvements project to enhance drainage and reduce flooding

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Residents in one of Fort Lauderdale’s historic neighborhoods will soon see construction crews at work as the city moves forward with an infrastructure upgrade designed to strengthen local stormwater drainage. Officials from the City of Fort Lauderdale have announced a stormwater improvement project along Brickell Drive in the Colee Hammock neighborhood aimed at modernizing parts of the drainage system and improving water flow during heavy rain events.

The project will be carried out in partnership with Southeastern Engineering Contractors and is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 13, 2026. If everything proceeds according to plan, construction is expected to wrap up by Friday, May 8, 2026.

During that time, crews will work on several key upgrades designed to strengthen the existing drainage network. The improvements include replacing approximately 200 feet of stormwater pipe, installing three new stormwater catch basins, and constructing a new stormwater manhole to help manage water flow beneath the roadway.

In addition, workers will install a new tidal valve—an important component that helps prevent tidal water from backing up into the stormwater system. This type of valve can play a critical role in coastal communities like Fort Lauderdale, where rising tides and heavy storms sometimes place additional pressure on drainage infrastructure.

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Once the underground work is finished, crews will restore any sections of asphalt and landscaping that were affected during construction. City officials say the goal is to leave the neighborhood’s streets and surrounding areas in good condition after the upgrades are completed.

Construction activity will generally take place Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. However, city officials caution that the schedule could shift if severe weather or unexpected construction challenges occur.

While the project is relatively short in duration, drivers and residents in the area should expect some temporary traffic adjustments.

Throughout construction, Brickell Drive will remain accessible, but only for local traffic west of Tarpon Drive. Traffic control personnel will be stationed near the work zone during construction hours to guide vehicles safely through the area.

Officials say maintaining safe access for residents remains a top priority during the project. Driveways along the construction corridor will remain accessible, allowing homeowners to enter and exit their properties as needed.

Drivers passing through the neighborhood are encouraged to pay close attention to posted signage and proceed carefully around construction crews and equipment.

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City officials acknowledge that projects like this can temporarily disrupt daily routines for nearby residents. However, they emphasize that the improvements are necessary to maintain and strengthen Fort Lauderdale’s infrastructure.

Stormwater systems play a vital role in coastal cities, helping move rainwater away from streets and properties while reducing the risk of flooding during storms. Upgrading older pipes, catch basins, and valves helps ensure that these systems continue working effectively as communities grow and weather patterns shift.

Local residents with questions about the project or its progress can contact the city directly. Project oversight is being managed by Scarlet Del Valle, Project Manager II for the City of Fort Lauderdale, who can be reached by phone at 954-828-5580 or by email at [email protected].

Residents may also contact the city’s Customer Support Center at 954-828-8000 or by email at [email protected] for additional information.

City officials say they appreciate the patience and cooperation of neighbors during the construction period. While the work may bring temporary inconvenience, the upgrades are intended to deliver long-term improvements to drainage and stormwater management in the Colee Hammock area.