The approval of the design and engineering work for the Madras Connector came at the March 15 meeting of the Coweta County Commission.
The design and engineering phase cost totals $292,399 and will be paid using revenues from the county’s SPLOST (special purpose local option sales tax) funds.
The idea behind the project is to close the path of Herring Road over the CSX railroad tracks just south of U.S. Highway 29 North and install a bridge over the tracks that will connect to Herring Road as it proceeds south.
The long-term project, doubtless some years in the future, will have Herring Road connect to the planned Amlajack interchange over Interstate 85.
The design and engineering portion of the U.S. 29 North/Herring Road phase will require federal funding, with all work performed in accordance with the Georgia Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration guidelines and standards, said Coweta County Assistant Administrator Kelly Mickle.
Mickle said railroad involvement and review are also required because the project includes a bridge over the CSX tracks.
Commissioners voted to execute the contract with American Engineers to perform the concept development, survey and environmental studies that are required for the Madras Connector Phase 1 project.
The vote was 4-0, with Commissioner Bob Blackburn recusing himself.
