Washington County Commissioners awarded bids at their Thursday, December 10 meeting for eight roads there were damaged by Hurricane Sally in September.
The eight roads include: East Lake Drive, Henderson Grove Road, New Road, Thompson Road, News Bridge Road, Mayview Road, Riddleville Mt. Moriah Road, and McCoy Pond Road.
County Administrator Dustin Peebles reported that three bids were received for this project. One bid was significantly higher at $1.2 million, while the other two bids were for $773,778 and $720,380. Commissioners reviewed the two closest bids.
County Administrator Peebles suggested splitting the work between the two contractors in order to have the work completed faster.
As previously reported by WACO 100, Commissioner James Hitchcock stated during the Tuesday, December 8 workshop that he would not be at the meeting on Thursday; he agreed the work should be split to speed the repair process.
Superior was awarded the bid for East Lake Drive, Thompson Road, Riddleville-Mt. Moriah Road, and McCoy Pond Road because their bid for grading and pipes were less expensive. L&L Utilities was awarded the bid for Henderson Grove Road, News Bridge Road, Mayview Road, and New Road because their unit cost for asphalt and guardrail was less expensive.
Washington County Public Works Supervisor Gary Waller stated that the County would be reimbursed up to $650,000 from the Georgia Department of Transportation for these road repairs.
County Administrator Peebles explained the remaining balance would come from the discretionary funds of the Transportation Investment Act.
After discussing the bids, Commissioner Doug Watkins moved to proceed with awarding the bids as suggested; Commissioner Frank Simmons seconded, and the vote carried unanimously by those present.
During the Tuesday, December 8 workshop, Commissioner Frank Simmons asked about the status of Jones Road.
“It’s terrible,” said Chairman Horace Daniel.
County Administrator Peebles stated that the contractor will be required to repair that road once the project is completed.
Commissioner Simmons asked if there was a timeline for the repairs.
Public Works Supervisor Waller stated that they aren’t in the paving season. Temperatures and rainfall dictate the paving season.
County Administrator Peebles also noted that the other portion of the truck route isn’t complete, and if the pit is used in that area, the repairs to that road will take longer.
“There’s no need to fix it if they’re going to tear it up again,” said Commissioner Simmons.