Aging Bird Key water main to be replaced next year

Work is scheduled to begin early next year on replacement of a water main pipe that crosses to Bird Key.

The project will replace a subaqueous water line crossing under two bridges. The water line has been slated for replacement, and the city’s utilities department has coated the pipe with epoxy as a preventive measure until the pipe could be replaced, according to an email update from the city’s utilities department engineer Richard Meier.

Water pipes in the area were installed in 1960, and there have been several water line breaks recently along the water main into Bird Key.

“These areas, in close proximity to the bridges, have the highest potential risk due to their location,” according to Meir. “The construction is estimated to begin early next year, with permitting through both state and federal agencies taking much of the time.”