PUBLIC INFORMATION

June 19, 2017

Street resurfacing and natural gas infrastructure update

Last week brought more rain to Pensacola, and with the rain came more schedule challenges for construction teams working on the city’s $30 million street resurfacing and natural gas infrastructure improvements program. 

“The lack of progress isn’t because they’re afraid of getting wet,” remarked City Transportation Engineer Ryan Novota. “Quite frankly, road crews can’t accomplish much in weather like this. We don’t want them milling pavement and leaving it uncovered and exposed to the elements for prolonged periods of time, and they can’t put down new asphalt or stripe roadways when it’s wet or raining. This is frustrating, but the only thing we can do is remain patient and wait for an improvement in weather conditions.” 

Teams charged with replacing antiquated cast-iron gas mains with modern, medium-density polyethylene pipes are also being impacted by inclement weather. 

“The ground is saturated from the heavy rainfall,” said Pensacola Energy Gas Operations Superintendent Darryl Singleton. “But, the contractor is working as much as the weather allows and has construction activity underway in six separate service areas throughout the city.”

Street resurfacing and natural gas teams have adjusted their schedules in hopes of better weather the week of June 19. If the weather permits, resurfacing crews plan to work this week on the following segments of Palafox Street:

Mon., 6/18:    
Garden Street to Main Street         

Tues., 6/19:
Palafox Place to Main Street (begin)

Wed., 6/20:
Garden Street to West Jackson Street (begin)
Palafox Place to Main Street (complete). 

Thurs., 6/21:
Garden Street to West Jackson Street (complete)

Downtown milling and resurfacing work is slated for overnight hours to minimize impacts for drivers, businesses, and adjacent property owners.

As the roadway schedule changes to accommodate the weather, the contractor for Pensacola Energy continues to coordinate their activities so there are no conflicts between the roadway teams and the natural gas teams.

“This is a coordinated effort, said Singleton. “We understand the importance of not having to dig-up or punch holes in any new asphalt to complete installation of the new gas main. Our crews are getting their work done before the roadway crews show up.”

For the most part, the work on the natural gas infrastructure system is taking place on the city owned right-of-way with few, if any, impacts to vehicular traffic. The milling and resurfacing activities may present the following impacts:
Parking restrictions.

• Temporary changes in access/egress for adjacent properties.
• Lane closures and travel delays.
• Congestion caused by construction vehicle/equipment traffic.
• Noise and dust associated with milling operations.

Cars parked on the street must be removed before work in either the street resurfacing or natural gas improvements program. Vehicles left on the street are subject to relocation. 

Construction personnel are going door-to-door 24-48 hours in advance of work to notify property owners of the parking restrictions. 

More information on the street resurfacing program is available by contacting the city’s engineering consultant, Atkins, Inc., (850) 380-9188. Questions about the natural gas distribution system work may be referred to Pensacola Energy, (850) 474-5300

Read the complete Executive Summary