Crews working on Phase 2 of the Venetian Causeway Water and Sewer Main Upgrades are approaching the finish line — but not before island residents face a night without running water and a string of lane closures that will reshape commutes on both Di Lido and Rivo Alto islands through the end of the month.
The City of Miami Beach issued a project update Friday, Aug. 21, announcing that the contractor is completing final connections for the new water and sewer pipes. Water service for select properties on Rivo Alto Island will be temporarily interrupted from 9 p.m. on Aug. 25 to 6 a.m. on Aug. 26. Sewer service is not expected to be affected at any point during the project.
Affected properties will receive a printed notice or email from the city with information about the water shutdown. The city's notice stated there are no anticipated service interruptions for sewer main work, and that dates for that phase are forthcoming.
What to Expect on the Roads
The city released a detailed project lookahead table outlining lane impacts across multiple locations:
| Location | Date/Time | Scope | Traffic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Di Lido Island | Aug. 21 | Sewer pipe work and temporary pavement restoration | Eastbound lanes closed between West Di Lido Drive and East Di Lido Drive |
| Rivo Alto Island | Aug. 19–25 | Installation of new water line section connecting to existing system | Westbound and eastbound lanes may be closed, simultaneously or individually; all traffic may be routed through the island |
| Rivo Alto Island | Aug. 25 at 9 p.m.–Aug. 26 at 6 a.m. | Connection of new water line and temporary water shutdown | Full closure of westbound and eastbound lanes; traffic routed through the island |
The city is urging drivers to reduce speed, follow construction-zone posted limits, obey signs and flaggers, and avoid entering closed lanes or driving around barricades. Pedestrians are instructed to use designated walkways and crossings only.
Preparing for the Water Interruption
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to store an adequate supply of water for drinking, cooking, hygiene, and other household needs before the 9 p.m. Aug. 25 shutdown begins.
Once service is restored, the city warns residents may notice temporary discoloration, cloudy water, or air in plumbing lines — conditions described as normal that should clear after running cold water from a faucet for several minutes.
There is also a possibility that a Precautionary Boil Water Notice may be issued for affected properties following the shutdown. The city's notice explained that such a precaution is standard public health protocol whenever the water distribution system experiences a loss of pressure or is temporarily shut down. Affected residents would be notified promptly if a boil water notice becomes necessary, along with instructions on when it has been lifted.
Project Scope and Timeline
The broader project replaced deteriorated water and sewer mains along the Venetian Causeway. Crews installed four new water lines and two sewer lines using horizontal directional drilling to connect the islands and Dade Boulevard, increasing system capacity to support the city's growing demands.
The contractor will continue daily operations from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Substantial completion of the project is expected by late summer 2026, with final completion anticipated by early fall 2026. The city cautioned that lane closures, the schedule, and work hours are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Residents seeking more information can contact Mid Beach Neighborhood Affairs Coordinator Gabriella Gonzalez at [email protected]. Additional details on city projects are available through the Neighborhood Affairs Division at miamibeachfl.gov/NAD.
