Village of Key Biscayne Undergrounding Feasibility Study

WGI delivered a feasibility study for the proposed underground conversion of the existing aerial utility facilities within an area of the Village. The study area included 1,143 single-family homes and multifamily, government, commercial, office, institutional, and recreational uses. The Village of Key Biscayne covers 1.3 square miles, of which approximately one-half the total area was studied. 

The purpose of this study was to outline the factors in determining the feasibility, potential costs, and schedule associated with converting the existing aerial facilities to underground. The report highlighted the numerous benefits of undergrounding the existing aerial system including improved reliability, safety, and overall community aesthetics. 

The WGI Team utilized over 100 years of experience and working knowledge with the utility owners to provide the Village with a realistic project approach, potential challenges and liabilities, an opinion of probable costs, a proposed schedule, and available funding sources for the execution of the project. The affected utilities include Florida Power and Light for power, and AT&T and Comcast for communication (collectively referred to as the utility owners). Within the study area, Florida Power and Light has approximately 4.5 miles of aerial feeder and approximately 9.8 miles of primary laterals. The underground conversion effort will be a collaboration of the Village and the utility owners. The underground conversion of the existing aerial facilities will significantly reduce the current service disruptions and outages caused by tree contact, wildlife, lightning, adverse environment (salt spray), vehicular accidents, weather, and high winds.