Construction inspectors for the Alachua County Public Works Department are closely monitoring and scrutinizing the installation of approximately 300 miles of underground fiber optic distribution cable throughout Alachua County. The two primary fiber optic companies installing the cable are IQ Fiber and Campus Communications Group/Pavlov Media.
What should homeowners expect when fiber is being installed in their neighborhood?
First, all work should be done within the public’s rights-of-way and easements. The public’s right of way can often extend behind the sidewalk, an area that many homeowners assume is part of their property.
Second, the companies should notify homeowners by mail, street signs, and/or door hangers approximately one week ahead of starting construction. Existing underground utilities are located with pin flags and paint markings. Please do not remove these pin flags until after construction. Construction will normally take place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and usually takes about three weeks to complete.
Third, and most importantly, contractors are required to restore all areas that are disturbed to an equal or better condition than the existing condition prior to construction, per Alachua County codes and Florida statute. Two subcontractors have recently been banned from working in the county due to not following the rules and damaging other utilities.
For more information, contact Interim Construction Inspector Superintendent Aaron Burke at 352-548-1262.
