Rockdale Citizen

CONYERS - The Conyers City Council approved more than $800,000 in contracts for two road construction projects during its public meeting Wednesday. The first contract is between Conyers and Pittman Construction for $728,498.20 for improvements to the intersection of Northside Drive and Milstead Avenue. The project will include realignment of the intersection, construction of sidewalks and resurfacing of both roadways.Work is set to begin in May and should be completed by October. The project is funded by the city's portion of the special purpose local option sales tax.City Manager Tony Lucas said the intersection will serve as another gateway to the city limits, complete with a stone sign and fountain, similar to those at other entry points into Olde Town.The second road-improvement contract the City Council approved this week is with Lowe Engineers for $127,522.81. This contract is for engineering and design for intersection improvements at Gees Mill and Old Covington roads. "We are trying to get this ready to catch the second round of stimulus money," Councilman Vince Evans said as he presented the contract for a vote.The existing intersection has problems with the skew and approach grades of Old Covington Road, according to a summary provided with the City Council's agenda. Lucas said Lowe Engineers will provide engineering and design for the intersection in an effort to get the project "shovel-ready," a requirement for federal stimulus funding. He said the deadline to apply for the next round of federal stimulus money is July 1.Aimee Jones can be reached at aimee.jones@rockdalecitizen.com.