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Tift County rejects costly signal bid, opts for flashing four-way stop at Ferry Lake Road intersection
Summary
The Tift County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 11 rejected all bids to install a traffic signal at Ferry Lake Road and New River Church Road after the low bid was $2.46 million—far above estimates—and after GDOT said the intersection did not warrant a signal. The board approved a flashing four-way stop, turn lanes, rumble strips and restriping for about $50,000.
The Tift County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 11 to reject all bids to signalize the intersection of Ferry Lake Road and New River Church Road and instead authorized installing a flashing four-way stop with turn lanes, rumble strips and restriping at an estimated cost of $50,000.
County Manager Jim Carter told commissioners the low bid to install a traffic signal was $2,461,926.33, substantially higher than the engineer's estimate of $790,975. Carter said he had consulted the Georgia Department of Transportation and that "GDOT's opinion is that this intersection does not warrant a traffic signal." Commissioner Stan Stalnaker moved to reject the bids; Commissioner Greg Wood seconded the motion, which carried 6-0.
The board also approved a separate motion to install a flashing four-way stop and make related striping and rumble-strip improvements, a package the county estimated would cost roughly $50,000. Commissioner Stan Stalnaker moved that measure; Commissioner Melissa Hughes seconded and the vote was 6-0.
Commissioners and staff noted the engineer who designed the signal will seek payment for completed design work, which County Manager Carter estimated at about $170,000. The board's actions on Dec. 11 formally rejected the signal bids and authorized the lower-cost interim safety improvements; no additional vote on paying the engineer was recorded at the meeting.
Next steps include scheduling and procuring the flashing stop installation and striping work; the county did not provide a completion date at the meeting.
