The Town of Lake Park is committed to improving our community's infrastructure to ensure a safer, more resilient environment. One of the key projects currently underway is the Southern Outfall Pipe Replacement Project, which is designed to enhance our stormwater management system. The Southern Outfall Pipe Replacement Project is part of the larger Southern Outfall stormwater project, which includes the installation of water filtration chambers beneath Bert Bostrom Park.

What Is The Southern Outfall Project?

The Southern Outfall Project is focused on upgrading the stormwater drainage system in Lake Park. Stormwater is runoff water that flows over streets, sidewalks, and other surfaces when it rains. This water needs to be directed safely away from homes, businesses, and roads to prevent flooding and minimize environmental impact.

Our current system is outdated and not able to handle heavy rain effectively, which can cause damage to roads, properties, and local ecosystems. The new system will improve water flow, reduce the risk of flooding, and help protect the environment by managing stormwater more effectively.

Construction

The Southern Outfall Pipe Replacement Project includes several key construction activities*:

1. Pipe Installation: We are replacing old pipes with larger, more durable ones to carry a greater volume of water. This involves digging trenches, removing the old pipes, and laying down new ones.
2. Excavation and Earthwork: Large machinery will dig trenches to install the new pipes at the necessary depth. This is necessary to reach deep underground where the pipes are placed.
3. Dewatering: Sometimes, groundwater needs to be temporarily pumped out to keep the construction site dry. This process is called dewatering.
4. Site Clean-Up and Restoration: After the new pipes are installed, we clean up the site, restore landscaping, repave roads, and make sure everything is clean and safe.
5. Overflow Parking Reconstruction: In areas like the marina, we will be rebuilding overflow parking that was disturbed during construction.

*If you wish to learn more about the specific construction activities, please CLICK HERE.

What This Project Will Accomplish

• Flood Prevention: The upgraded system will handle heavy rains more effectively, reducing the chances of flooding in homes, streets, and parks.
• Environmental Protection: Better stormwater management helps prevent pollutants from reaching our waterways.
• Improved Infrastructure: Modern pipes and drainage systems will last longer and require less maintenance.

Cost To The Community

The Southern Outfall Project is 100% grant-funded, which means there is no cost to Lake Park’s residents and business owners. Ongoing maintenance will be performed by the Stormwater Division of the Public Works Department, as are all stormwater-related activities in Lake Park.

Temporary Challenges To Expect

We understand that construction can be disruptive, especially with a project of this size. Some of the temporary inconveniences you might notice include:

• Noise: Heavy machinery can be loud during certain activities.
• Vibrations: Concrete chippers can cause vibrations. Due to concerns about these vibrations, we have confirmed with contractor that no further concrete chipping will take place on site.
• Traffic Disruptions: Some roads may be closed or partially blocked, and detours may be in place.
• Dust and Debris: Construction sites can be dusty, but we work diligently to control this as much as possible. Staff has instructed the contractor to maintain a clean worksite and is monitoring cleanup activities daily.

Our Commitment to You

We are working closely with contractors to minimize disruptions. Our team visits the site multiple times a day to monitor noise, cleanliness, and safety. When issues arise, we address them promptly.

We’re Here To address Your Concerns and Keep You Informed

At the Town of Lake Park, we take your concerns seriously. We will continue to provide updates on the project’s progress and will work directly with the contractor to address any issues as quickly as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need to report any project-related issues, please contact the Public Works Department at 561-881-3345 or publicworks@lakeparkflorida.gov.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to make Lake Park a safer, more resilient community.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

Completed Work (October 2024 through December 2024):

• Storm Drain Structures and Piping (US-1 to Lake Shore Drive): All underground stormwater pipes and drainage structures in this section have been installed to manage rainwater runoff effectively.
• Backfilling and Compaction: The excavated areas around the installed pipes have been filled with soil and compacted to ensure stability and prevent future settling.
• Water Main Relocation (Lake Shore Drive): Existing water pipes were carefully moved to make space for the new stormwater system, ensuring uninterrupted water service.
• Gas Main Relocation (Lake Shore Drive): Underground gas pipelines were safely shifted to avoid conflicts with the new drainage infrastructure.

Current Work (Expected to be completed in March 2025):

• Storm Drain Structure Installation (East of Lake Shore Drive): Large concrete drainage boxes will be placed in excavated areas. This requires precise digging, setting the structures, and securing them.
  Temporary Impacts: Expect intermittent noise from excavation equipment, vibrations from heavy machinery, and possible traffic disruptions with lane closures.
• Stormwater Pipe Installation: After drainage structures are in place, crews will connect them using large pipes. This involves trench excavation, pipe laying, sealing joints, and backfilling.
  Temporary Impacts: Dust from digging, construction noise, and limited pedestrian access in some areas.
• Relocation of Gas Main Cathodic Protection System: This work involves moving equipment that protects underground gas lines from corrosion.
  Temporary Impacts: Minimal disruption, with occasional localized excavation and equipment noise.

Remaining Work (Expected to begin in March 2025 with completion expected in July 2025):

• Storm Drain Structures and Piping to Marina Outfalls: Installing additional pipes and drainage structures to carry stormwater to outfall points.
  Temporary Impacts: Increased noise from excavation, temporary road closures, detours, and restricted marina access during active work periods.
• Water Quality Trench Drain Installation: A specialized system to filter pollutants from stormwater runoff before it enters waterways.
  Temporary Impacts: Moderate construction noise, dust, and limited access to surrounding walkways.
• New Seacoast Utility Authority (SUA) Force Mains: Installing pressurized pipelines to transport wastewater from the marina building.
  Temporary Impacts: Intermittent noise from digging equipment, potential traffic delays, and odor during connection activities.
• Pipe Liner Installation at Marina Outfalls: Inserting liners into existing pipes to extend their lifespan.
  Temporary Impacts: Short-term noise, minor odors from lining materials, and brief access restrictions near work areas.
• Parking Lot Reconstruction (Dunkin’ Site): Rebuilding the parking lot, including surface grading and paving.
  Temporary Impacts: Temporary loss of parking spaces, dust, noise from paving machinery, and altered traffic patterns.
• Marina Overflow Parking Lot Construction: Building additional parking spaces with proper drainage.
  Temporary Impacts: Noise from grading and paving activities, dust, and temporary access restrictions to adjacent areas.
• Lake Shore Drive Repaving and Striping: Milling old asphalt, laying new pavement, and applying road markings.
  Temporary Impacts: Lane closures, detours, traffic delays, noise from milling and paving equipment, and strong odors from fresh asphalt.
• Common Area Irrigation System Reconstruction: Installing new sprinkler systems to improve landscape watering.
  Temporary Impacts: Minor excavation noise, localized disruptions to landscaped areas, and temporary water supply adjustments for irrigation.
• Landscaping and Sodding: Planting trees, shrubs, and sod for final site restoration.
  Temporary Impacts: Minimal disruption, with light equipment noise and occasional pedestrian detours around active planting areas.