Emergency sewer main replacement project to bring traffic detours and road closures along SE 12th Avenue and East Las Olas Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Residents and commuters in Fort Lauderdale’s Colee Hammock neighborhood are being advised to prepare for several days of traffic disruptions as emergency sewer infrastructure work gets underway in one of the city’s busiest areas.

The City of Fort Lauderdale, working alongside Southern Underground Industries, has launched an emergency project aimed at improving the reliability of the local sewer system. The work will focus on replacing approximately 500 feet of sewer force main along sections of SE 12th Avenue, East Las Olas Boulevard and Tarpon Drive. Once the underground work is complete, crews will also restore any asphalt surfaces and landscaping affected during construction.

According to city officials, construction on the new sewer pipe began on June 3 and is expected to continue through June 6. While the installation of the replacement line is anticipated to be completed within a few days, restoration efforts are expected to extend through late June 2026. Officials noted that the timeline could change if weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances affect construction progress.

The project is being carried out on an accelerated schedule due to the urgent nature of the repairs. Sewer force mains play a critical role in transporting wastewater through the city’s infrastructure network, making timely replacement essential to maintaining reliable service and preventing future issues.

As construction activities move forward, nearby residents can expect periods of increased noise, particularly from heavy equipment, machinery and backup alarms used during overnight operations. Temporary lighting will also be installed to allow crews to work safely during evening and nighttime hours. City representatives said the contractor will implement measures intended to minimize both light and noise impacts on neighboring homes and businesses whenever possible.

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The most noticeable effects for the public, however, will likely be traffic-related.

Several temporary road closures and detours have been scheduled throughout the construction period. During the initial phase of the project, SE 12th Avenue between East Las Olas Boulevard and SE 2nd Court will remain accessible only to local traffic.

Additional restrictions will affect motorists traveling along East Las Olas Boulevard. Westbound lanes between Tarpon Drive and SE 12th Avenue will be closed during a portion of the work, with drivers redirected through a detour route utilizing SE 13th Avenue, SE 2nd Court and SE 9th Avenue.

Traffic patterns will shift again during the following phase of construction. Eastbound lanes of East Las Olas Boulevard between SE 12th Avenue and Tarpon Drive will be closed, requiring motorists to use alternate routes. At the same time, Tarpon Drive will be closed between East Las Olas Boulevard and an area north of SE 4th Street.

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Traffic control personnel will be stationed throughout the work zone to help guide vehicles safely through detour routes and maintain access where possible. Drivers traveling near the project area are encouraged to pay close attention to posted signs, follow instructions from traffic personnel and allow extra travel time.

City officials acknowledged that the construction will create temporary inconveniences but emphasized the long-term benefits of upgrading critical underground infrastructure. The improvements are intended to strengthen the sewer system and support reliable service for residents and businesses in the neighborhood for years to come.

As work progresses and restoration activities are scheduled, affected neighbors will receive additional notifications from the city. In the meantime, officials are asking residents and motorists for patience while crews complete the necessary repairs and infrastructure improvements.