After securing of state and federal grant appropriations for the Twin Lakes neighborhood, Monroe County will break ground on Friday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m., on its first resilient roads pilot project in a neighborhood that experiences frequent flooding for prolonged periods.
The project will address issues associated with heavy rainfall, storm surge, high tide and king tide events that cause damage to public roads and private properties by constructing a new drainage and stormwater collection system and elevating roads. Federal and state grants, including a Resilient Florida grant, and local funds will pay for the project.
The project encompasses 4,633 linear feet of roadway and is intended to protect 105 ones in the bayside subdivision.
Monroe County has previously undertaken a Roadway Vulnerability Analysis and Capital Plan that uses environmental and human-use factors in assessing the flooding vulnerability of 300 miles of county roads.
“We are excited to begin construction of the county’s first pilot project for road elevation that will help the neighborhood residents maintain access to their homes as we become more resilient to sea-level rise,” said Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag.
The ground-breaking event comes as Monroe County prepares to experience seasonal high king tides through November.
King tides are unusually high tides that occur several times a year, usually in the fall, that can cause coastal tidal flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Monroe County is monitoring unincorporated areas experiencing these high tides, according to a news release from county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to prepare for king tides, be aware of their surroundings and avoid driving on flooded streets, Livengood said.
In coordination with the NOAA, the highest peak king tides in the Florida Keys are expected to occur Aug. 18-21, Sept. 15-24, Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 13-23, and Nov. 13-20.
To find tides in a specific area, visit tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/map/index.html. Put in a zip code, or city and state, and it will use the closest station data with the day’s tides as well as measured water levels. Other information on king tides can be found at monroecounty-fl.gov/kingtides.
To learn more about Monroe County roadway vulnerabilities, visit keysroadsplan.com.
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