Streetscape Phase VI Temporarily on Hold

The Streetscape Phase VI Project in downtown Toccoa is temporarily on hold after old utility lines were discovered.

City Manager Billy Morse said they are in the process of getting a new price from the contractors for the paved surface area.

“The elevation of the utilities is the problem,” said Morse. “To lower the utilities is really cost prohibiting, we couldn’t afford to lower all the utilities.”

According to Morse, the contractors have come up with a new design for the paved area to reduce the thickness of the pavement.

“An example would be if the paved area was six inches thick, they’re reducing that to four inches so that then would not have to impact the elevation of the utilities, so that’s what we’re working on getting a price for now,” said Morse.

Morse said the new price will hopefully come in this week and they can continue working.

Overall, the project involves putting in new asphalt, pavers and planters in the parking lots and alleyway.

Toccoa Main Street is leading the project and the total cost is estimated at just under $350,000.

Toccoa City Commissioners approved the project in 2012 and received $282,000 in Georgia DOT funds to help pay for it.

Morse said the City of Toccoa is also providing matching funds.

According to Morse, there are more phases to the streetscape project for the future.