Local

Gore Street construction months behind schedule

ORLANDO, Fla. — Some Orlando residents said they're trapped by a local road project that Channel 9 learned is months behind schedule.

The city is now threatening to fine the contractor making drainage improvements on Gore Street for falling so far behind schedule.

But the company told WFTV's Kenneth Craig it's not their fault.

Residents told Channel 9 when it rains piles of dirt turn their streets into a river of mud. Right now, there are closed streets and pipes in front yards, which is frustrating to residents living in the area.

"Everybody that's come to the house has asked me when it's going to end. Everybody," said resident Heather Oller.

Oller and her neighbors have been dealing with the torn up roadway since construction began in January.

"It's been extremely inconvenient," she said.

Contractor CE James was hired by the city for more than $1 million to put in new storm pipes by June 30, but they're far behind schedule and residents will likely have to wait until September until the project finishes, Craig learned.

"Nobody seems to know what's under the road, which is to be expected because these were some of the first plotted houses in Orlando," said resident James McKay.

The city told Channel 9 the contractor will be slapped with a $1,000 a day fine if it doesn't meet the June deadline.

A construction supervisor said the crews are behind because the city provided inaccurate plans of what was under the road.

In the meantime, residents are stuck with uprooted streets and detours at every turn.

The city said there's a chance the contractor can hire more crews to get the construction done on time, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen, Craig said.
City officials said they've never had an issue with the contractor in the past.