The city has negotiated with the Georgia Department of Transportation to add a path tunnel under Ga. Highway 74 to connect the Marketplace and Westpark Walk shopping centers.

A contract with the DOT for the project was tabled without discussion at last week's City Council meeting.

The tunnel was one of the recommendations of the city's Livable Centers Initiative study, which focused on creating more access for alternative forms of transportation than the automobile. City staff hope that the tunnel can be incorporated into the widening project of Ga. Highway 74 south from Hwy. 54 to Hwy. 85 when that work begins.

The total cost is estimated at $450,000 but a grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission's LCI program will cover all but $90,000, which will be the city's share.

The city is already coordinating with DOT officials on the unique tunnel system that will help path users traverse the new bridge on Hwy. 54 over the CSX railroad tracks. Some of the culverts for that project have already been built.