THOMASVILLE — The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) is to let bids Friday on intersection improvements at U.S. 19 North and Ga. 202.

It could be up to two months before a contractor is chosen for the project, said Craig Solomon, DOT public information officer.

Not unlike other state agencies, DOT has taken a financial hit this year. The agency is taking a close look at funding and projects. Some projects have fallen by the wayside during DOT’s shortfall.

Solomon said Monday that if the project is let for bids, chances are good it will be done.

DOT considers the intersection work a safety project, he said. “It’s a positive thing,” he added.

Bid-letting, which was set for April, was postponed to August. Bids were to be awarded in September.

The project includes left-turn lanes and a traffic signal at the highly traveled intersection.

Also to be installed are four poles at each corner of the intersection. Cables to the traffic signals will be contained in the poles, which also will provide lighting.

Traffic signals will be on cables over the intersection or on arms extending from the poles.

Residents of a subdivision near intersection, pointing out darkness at U.S. 19/Ga. 202, have pushed not only for a traffic signal at the location, but also for high-mast lighting in the immediate area.

The lights must be requested by Thomas County commissioners, who have said no.

High-mast lighting would cost county government $400,000 in installation expenses and more than $38,000 annually in utilities costs.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 220.