Emergency Force Main Replacement - Hawthorne Ave

In October 2025, a wastewater force main in the vicinity of Biscayne Bay Elementary School experienced a break, prompting emergency repairs and extensive cleaning and disinfection efforts in the affected areas.

The force main was originally installed in 1981 and had been identified for replacement as part of the City’s long-term master planning efforts. However, due to the corrosive conditions associated with Miami Beach’s tidal environment, the pipeline deteriorated more rapidly than anticipated and now requires replacement on an emergency basis.

To minimize impacts to the neighborhood, roadway excavation, and the surrounding environment, the City is replacing the force main via horizontal directional drilling (HDD). This construction method allows the new pipeline to be installed beneath the ground with limited surface disruption. The new force main will extend along Hawthorne Avenue to the west end of 75 Street, connecting Pump Stations #23 and #24.

Amici Engineering Contractors was selected to perform the work, and construction activities began in late April.