Peachtree City council approved a $300,000 design contract recommendation to replace two small corrugated-metal tunnels under Crosstown Road (known locally as the "Taco Bell Tunnel" and the "Regions Bank Tunnel").

Dave Borkowski, presenting the item, said a SPLOST-funded feasibility study found it feasible to replace the undersized tunnels with concrete box culverts meeting current city design standards. He said the two tunnels are in a floodplain, and the design work will include surveying, floodplain and drainage analysis and revisions to approaches to improve ADA access. The feasibility estimate for construction cited about $1.4 million per tunnel.

Staff recommended awarding the design to Pond & Company, noting that construction would not require raising Crosstown Road significantly; the design scope is $300,000 with a 12- to 18-month expected timeline. Council moved to approve agenda item 126006 for Crosstown tunnel design in the amount of $300,000; the motion passed on a voice vote.

The design phase will produce plans needed for bidding and will include floodplain mitigation measures such as drainage channels, ditches or pipes as required by the final design.