A Community Open House Meeting was held on October 25, 2022.

As part of its continued dedication to investing in its infrastructure, the City of Tallahassee is working to implement the Lake Ella and DeSoto Utility Upgrades Project. This project is part of the City's proactive efforts to replace aging utility infrastructure and provide safe, reliable utility service to the customers for many years.

The project along Lake Ella Drive, Sgt. Dale Green Way and DeSoto Street will replace aging infrastructure by constructing approximately 4,800 linear feet of new sewer and approximately 3,300 feet of new water. In addition to ensuring reliable service, this work will enhance fire protection in the area. Following construction of the underground utilities, impacted roadways will be resurfaced.

This large project will be broken down into phases to minimize disruption. The first phase will be from 246 DeSoto Street to the Sgt. Dale Green Way intersection at Lake Ella Drive. For the next phase, one of the sections of the Lake Ella Loop will be closed. The contractor will be limited to only closing one side of the Lake Ella Loop at a time.

July Project Update

Construction is underway on the City of Tallahassee’s Lake Ella and Desoto Utility Upgrades Project, and work will soon traverse N. Meridian Road, causing temporary traffic impacts. Starting July 24, the intersection of N. Meridian Road and DeSoto Street will close to create a safe work zone for crews while they replace underground utilities. The closure will be in effect 24 hours per day, and work is anticipated to take 14 days. A detour route will be clearly marked to guide traffic around the construction zone.

View the detour map

The project schedule is as follows:

If you have questions or comments regarding these planned activities, please contact Donna Nichols, P.E., with the City's Water Utilities Engineering at 850-891-6144 or donna.nichols@talgov.com.

View a larger version of this map.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When will the project begin, and how long it will last?
   The project advertised for bids on January 8, 2023, and construction is expected to begin in June 2023 and last for approximately 12 months.
2. What will the contractor’s working hours be?
   The contractor’s work hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Weekend and nighttime work will be performed in Meridian Road right of way at the direction of Florida Department of Transportation.
3. How will the project impact my water and sewer?
   Customers along the corridor will experience intermittent water outages when the new water mains are tied into the existing system and when existing services are reconnected to new services. During construction, notice will be given in advance for planned outages, and the City and its contractor will make every effort to keep outages brief.
4. Are road closures expected?
   Intermittent road closures will occur within the work zone with detours. The work zone will progress in phases. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained.
5. Cost of project?
   The project’s total estimated cost is $3.2 Million
6. What can be expected in terms of restoration?
   Most of the work will occur in the roadway. All disturbed areas will be restored to their previous condition, including replacement of sod, sidewalk, driveways, etc., where impacted by construction activities. The existing asphalt will be patched after the utilities have been installed and following construction the impacted roadways will be resurfaced.
7. Where can I get information about other area projects?
   • FDOT Meridian Road Resurfacing
   • Midtown Stakeholders Meeting

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