Commissioners approve $64,500 amendment to add Belton Lane turn lane near school

Chambers County commissioners approved Amendment No. 1 for the Belton Lane project — a $64,500 addition to add a turn lane near a school to relieve traffic backups and safety hazards. Engineering staff said the work was prompted in part by sheriff's department drone observations of congestion and near head-on passing in the area during school hours.

An engineer describing the amendment said it was "definitely needed for safety, with the school traffic," and said a center turn lane and other improvements are planned with scope to be provided by December. A motion to approve passed by voice vote.

Staff told the court they expect to return with a full scope of work and schedule by December and will notify the affected school and neighborhood once final plans are posted. The amendment is intended as a near-term safety measure while longer-term corridor improvements are developed.