Submitted photo Willie Gaines, owner of Gaines and Son Striping, mixing glass beads for 189.6 striping project of Grady County Roads. 

CAIRO — Grady County is in the midst of an extensive road striping project. 

A total of 189.6 miles of county roads are undergoing striping through Gaines and Sons Striping of Tallahassee, Florida. 

According to County Administrator Carlos Tobar, the project cost is $189,128.30. Grady County received $132,389.81 in state funds for the project. 

The remaining balance — $56,738.49 — is coming from special purpose local options sales tax (SPLOST), Tobar said. 

On Jan. 17, 53 additional miles were added to the project. 

“We had enough money in the grant to do more,” Tobar said. 

To date, 46 miles of the project have been completed, and it is “changing by the minute,” according to Tobar. 

Tobar also said he checks the roads at night to ensure the striping is reflective enough for road safety. 

Tobar said he has not noticed skewed or crooked lines during his road surveying, but encourages the public to reach out if faults are noticed. 

“The paint is going to highlight any little imperfection,” he said. 

The striping agreement with Gaines and Sons Striping was unanimously approved by the Grady County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 6. 

Prior to the project starting in December, the county received two bids. The first was from Peek Pavement Marking, LLC for $131,985. The second was Gaines and Sons Striping’s original bid for $70,860.80. The original bid was for 65.6 miles. 

Prior to the additional miles in January, 70.8 miles were added to the original bid. 

Tobar added during the beginning of the bid process, he sent out the project to multiple contractors. 

The original project completion date was scheduled for March 19. Due to additional miles, there is no new projected date for completion, according to Tobar. 

Tobar said the contractor is attempting to finish by the end of March. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.