City officials confirmed Monday that work on a $2.3 million road resurfacing project along County Road 445 between Saturn Boulevard and the Melbourne-British Columbia Line has been suspended. The halt comes after a dispute between the city and the contractor, Martin Construction, over payment terms for the project, which began in March. City Manager Lisa Thompson said the city has withheld $450,000 in payments pending resolution of alleged discrepancies in the contractor’s submitted invoices.
The dispute has left a 1.2-mile stretch of the road in disrepair, with potholes worsening since work stopped last week. Residents in the area, including retiree Jim Carter, have raised concerns about safety. 'I drive this road daily,' Carter said. 'The holes are getting bigger, and it’s a hazard for everyone.' The city has not yet scheduled a public meeting to discuss the issue.
Martin Construction did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The city’s legal department is reviewing the contract, which includes clauses requiring weekly progress reports and penalties for delays. City officials say they will not resume work until the outstanding payments are resolved.
The project was originally slated for completion by December, but delays could push the timeline into 2025. Council Member Maria Lopez called the situation 'unacceptable' in a statement, urging the city to 'prioritize transparency and accountability.' The dispute highlights growing tensions between local government and contractors over increasingly complex infrastructure projects in the region.