Staff recommends $2.16M contract to Azimuth for SR‑53/Lumpkin Campground intersection improvements

Robert presented the Lumpkin Campground/State Route 53 intersection improvement project, summarizing its origin in a 2023 corridor study, subsequent engineering funded with impact fees and SPLOST, and a DOT partnership that can cover up to 70% of construction through LMAIC funds. He described the scope as adding a lane on SR 53, improving turning movements on Lumpkin Campground Road in both directions and installing a new traffic signal with dedicated left-turn arrows.

"Staff respectfully request that the board accept these bids that we received and award a contract to Azimuth Contracting Contractors LLC in the amount of $2,158,296.61," Robert said, adding a recommended county control contingency of 10% ($215,829). He said the project costs are supported by DOT funds, SPLOST, some private developer contribution and impact fees.

During questions, a commissioner pointed out an inconsistency between figures shown in the presentation and the agenda, noting the presentation listed a low bid of about $2.4 million while the agenda listed Baldwin at $11,285,615. Robert acknowledged an anomaly in the bid form and confirmed the $11,285,615 figure on the agenda for that bidder was accurate; the exchange ended without changing the staff recommendation.

The presentation included a map of project limits, right-of-way status and a note that right-of-way acquisition is about 90% complete, with one parcel remaining. No formal contract award vote appears in the work session record presented here; staff requested board acceptance of the bids for future action.