In several quiet Miami Lakes neighborhoods, residents are experiencing the disruption of major roadwork and construction. Streets and sidewalks are torn up, and detours have become a regular part of daily life. While it may seem like an inconvenience now, the ongoing construction project is a critical step toward addressing long-standing flooding and infrastructure issues in the town.

This large-scale project, aimed at upgrading Miami Lakes' drainage systems and infrastructure, is one of several highlighted in NBC6's What's Being Built Here series. It's part of a larger initiative that promises long-term benefits for the community, including improved flood resilience and better water quality.

David Ackerman, a local resident, shared his thoughts while walking his dog past the construction site: "I think it's important. Important, because a lot of our neighbors have complained about the flooding." His sentiment reflects a widespread concern among residents who have endured flooding in recent years.

The bulk of the work began in 2021 when the Miami Lakes Town Council approved a $13 million Stormwater Utility Bond. The bond has been used to fund a variety of drainage projects, with the ultimate goal of reducing flooding risks and improving the overall stormwater system.

"In the past six years, we've completed about 15 drainage projects throughout the town," said Omar Santos, the Director of Public Works for Miami Lakes. He also noted that there are currently nine more infrastructure projects in the planning and design stages. These ongoing efforts demonstrate the town's commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term infrastructure needs.

Residents who live near the construction zones are doing their best to cope with the disruption. Mr. Waseskuk, a local resident we met during his morning walk, explained, "I just cross streets back and forth to try and avoid not being inconvenient to them… I noticed last year with the big rains, there's definitely an improvement, depending on how bad the rain is, of course." While some inconveniences are inevitable, many residents acknowledge the improvements, especially after heavy rains.

However, it's not all smooth sailing. "We've had a couple of power outages, and the trash removal has been a problem. But I think everybody's persevering because basically they want the improvement," added Mr. Ackerman, emphasizing that residents are willing to endure short-term disruptions for the greater good.

The disruption is not just visual—it also affects daily services. The town’s Public Works team has worked closely with contractors to mitigate the mess as much as possible. “We work with our contractors to keep the site as clean as possible and keep the mess to the immediate area where they're working and restore as soon as we can,” said Santos. Town officials are aware of the temporary inconveniences and are focused on keeping disruptions to a minimum.

The project is also having an environmental impact that’s not immediately visible. The new infrastructure is designed to filter out pollutants that would otherwise flow into local canals and the groundwater. This sustainable feature ensures the town’s natural water systems are protected from contaminants, making it a valuable investment for both the community and the environment.

Funded by the $33 million Stormwater Utility Bond and the American Rescue Plan Act, this project represents a significant investment in Miami Lakes’ future. It will not only help reduce flooding and enhance drainage but also ensure cleaner water for residents and future generations.

With the current phase of the project expected to be completed by December 2026, residents can look forward to a more resilient community, even if they have to endure a few more years of construction.

Originally reported by Roxanne Vargas in NBC Miami.