County and Auburn to split cost for Moores Mill–Society Hill roundabout; utility relocation flagged as potential extra cost

The Lee County Commission approved an intergovernmental funding agreement with the city of Auburn to convert the four-way stop at Moores Mill Road and Society Hill Road into a roundabout.

County staff told the commission the city agreed to pay 50% of construction costs up to $500,000, while the county has budgeted $600,000 of Rebuild Alabama funds toward the project; staff and the county attorney said plans and the agreement had been reviewed by Auburn—ounsel. Staff estimated the project should come in under a combined $1.1 million budget.

Highway staff warned that an Opelika water main extends into the intersection and that relocation of utilities is not included in the current construction estimate. Staff said the county tries to require utilities to relocate lines at their own expense during roadway projects but noted the county could consider paying to relocate lines if the commission chose to do so; commissioners expressed reluctance to pay relocation costs for utilities that have been in place for years.

A public commenter who described himself as a local resident and driver said traffic backups at peak hours are long and that a roundabout would likely improve operations; another commenter suggested that because a portion of the intersection lies inside Auburn city limits, the county/city cost split should reflect that distribution.

The commission voted to authorize the chairman to sign the funding agreement with Auburn and move forward with the design and right-of-way process. No utility relocation contract was approved; staff said they will pursue further clarification with the affected water authority and utility companies before committing county funds to any relocations.