In a broad manager’s report, Ware County staff outlined several infrastructure and traffic items for upcoming work and coordination with state contractors.

Safety striping and DOT grant: Staff said a DOT safety striping grant of about $400,000 will be advertised for bids and will likely be bid in February. The striping work and sign adjustments approved earlier by the commission will tie into LME pavement repairs.

Right‑of‑way and acquisitions: Preliminary plans for Albany Avenue have been completed and staff advised they are working on right‑of‑way plans, title work and appraisals. The county attorney is handling condemnations on Waddell Road; staff will provide updates once appraisals and title work return. The manager asked the commission to authorize staff and the attorney to proceed with purchasing properties that are complete takes and to wait for right‑of‑way details on partial takes.

Traffic and detour planning: Commissioners discussed how an upcoming overpass construction could reroute traffic and increase truck volumes on alternate roads (for example, Blackshire Avenue). Staff suggested discussing temporary weight restrictions and other mitigations with DOT and law enforcement to limit heavy vehicles on roads not built for such loads.

Signs and maintenance: The commission discussed widespread faded or missing road signs and theft of signage. Staff proposed inventorying signs, ordering replacements (including solar‑powered flashing units) and considering assigning personnel to keep signs maintained.

Next steps: staff will advertise the striping project for bid; continue appraisals and title work for right‑of‑way acquisitions; and return with prioritized roads for LME funding and programing.