PALM BAY, Fla. – Crews set up signs blocking traffic on Palm Bay Road late Monday night as they prepare for a major repair project that's expected to snarl traffic for at least two months.
A collapsed steel storm-water drain pipe will trigger lane closures along a half-mile stretch of the commercial thoroughfare between Minton Road and Norfolk Parkway, the street leading through Hammock Landing shopping center.
"I've been dreading it because it's going to cause more traffic for me going to work," said commuter Edwin Bonilla. "I have to go all the way around now to get to Interstate 95, instead of coming here to Minton Road."
Brevard County Public Works said the project will cause "Carmageddon," saying gridlock around this portion of town is inevitable.
Officials estimate roughly 70,000 motorists travel the affected area on weekdays, and most of the traffic will be detoured on Norfolk Parkway, which is only a two-lane road.
Crews hope to have the project completed by June 11, in time for the rainy season and hurricane season.
Click here to track the progress of the project through Brevard County Public Works' Facebook page.