As part of continued efforts to reduce residential, street and yard flooding and erosion issues along Pine Forest Drive and Pine View Drive, the City of Tallahassee is implementing the Pine Forest Drainage Improvements Project. Residents along Pine Forest Drive have reported residential, street and yard flooding and erosion issues. To address these issues, Underground Utilities & Public Infrastructure Department staff studied the existing hydrologic and hydraulic conditions of the project area and developed and evaluated engineering design alternatives.
This new storm drain system will route through the City owned and maintained stormwater pond in the China Grove subdivision which will be enlarged to handle the additional runoff.
UPDATE: The contractor is North Florida and they will begin mobilizing on September 7, 2021 (Tuesday after Labor Day). Construction duration of the project is approximately seven (7) months.
For additional information, please contact Fernando S. Francisco, E.I., City of Tallahassee Underground Utilities and Public Infrastructure (UU&PI) Engineering Division, at 850-891-6861, fernando.francisco@talgov.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will construction start, and how long will it last?
Construction is anticipated to start on September 7, 2021 and last approximately seven (7) months.
Will the project impact neighborhood trees?
The project improvements were designed to minimize impacts to existing trees, but unfortunately, not all impacts can be avoided, which will require some tree removal. Digging around the root system of a tree may harm the health of the tree and can increase the likelihood of it uprooting and toppling during high winds. The City is working with an arborist to develop mitigation strategies to preserve as many trees as possible and to identify those trees that will be impacted by construction activities.
Will construction be disruptive to the neighborhood?
While construction of this type can be disruptive, the City will do everything possible to minimize inconveniences to residents. Construction hours will normally begin after sunrise and end prior to sunset, with no construction allowed on Sundays within the neighborhood. Roadway detours, if needed, will be clearly marked, so vehicular access to homes is always maintained.
Who will oversee construction?
The project will be constructed by North Florida Asphalt; however, the City will oversee all construction activities. Mr. Richard Slaughter is the city inspector and is available to address any issues that arise during construction. Mr. Richard Slaughter’s city cell number is 850-274-3538.
Will this project prevent future flooding in the neighborhood?
Like other older neighborhoods in Tallahassee, Pine Forest Subdivision was developed without adequate drainage infrastructure, and to retrofit the neighborhood to today’s standards is not feasible. During intense rainfall events, Pine Forest Drive will still experience residential, roadway and yard flooding and erosion during the most extreme events; however, the proposed project improvements will significantly reduce the frequency and severity of flooding issues.
Who can I talk with if I have questions or concerns?
Please contact Fernando S. Francisco, E.I., City of Tallahassee UU&PI Engineering Division, at 850-891-6861 or 850-491-3677, fernando.francisco@talgov.com. Ferdie is also available to meet one-on-one to discuss the project.