Gulf Blvd Utility Undergrounding (Phase 2)

CPWG was engaged by the City of Madeira Beach to design their Gulf Blvd Utility Undergrounding Phase 2 project focused on updated roadways, sidewalks, and relocation of utilities underground. The resulting design created significant improvements to the aesthetics of utilities in the corridor. The design included undergrounding electrical and cable wires, replacing old light fixtures with new light fixtures, replacing wood poles with concrete poles and landscaping the new safety medians and LAP project for a full mill and resurface the corridor.  The CPWG team also helped the city to obtain easements or find alternate locations for transformers and switch boxes by coordinating with the public regarding lighting enhancement and other amenities. We were also able to assist by coordinating with utility companies to facilitate the conversion to underground utilities and provide construction administration.

Undergrounding Design Coordination, Plans Creation, Permitting, and RFQ Development.  CPWG coordinated all underground design, plans creation, permitting, and RFQ development. The utility undergrounding design included roadway and utility relocation on Gulf Boulevard from 130th Avenue to 150th Avenue. It also included light pole and fixture upgrades. The initial design was based on the existing survey from Pinellas County Reclaimed Construction Plans. Our team’s intent was to place switch boxes in the existing right-of-way on the west side of Gulf Boulevard in parks, pocket parks, parking lots and street end locations whenever possible.  Transformers will also be placed in these same locations where possible. The design included the location of the conduit and new poles and to submit an FDOT right-of-way use permit. In the Smugglers Cove area, the design had to be modified to factor in a large concrete/parking lot.  CPWG Engineers determined that a transformer set back on the property with an underground feed to an overhead pole which allowed the area to maintain the existing overhead service was the best solution.

Coordination to Obtain Easements. Public awareness is crucial to any project that will disrupt people’s lives during the construction phase.  Public meetings and field meetings were held at properties to gain input from local residents, answer questions and provided information concerning the undergrounding of utilities.  A maintenance of traffic (MOT) plan was created to facility the undergrounding construction in this high volume traffic area.

Coordination with Utility Companies. To ensure the design met the needs of multiple organizations the team coordinated with Duke Energy (electric), Bright House (cable), and Verizon (telephone) to facilitate the undergrounding of the utility lines.  A separate cost estimate was prepared for the undergrounding of each respective utilities based on the number and size of conduits required by each company.  The final connection to structures from the preferred transformer location was incorporated into the plan