The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has awarded a $61,616 contract to a consultant to plan improvements for the intersection of Bells Ferry Road, Kellogg Creek Road and Victory Drive near Woodstock.

Southeastern Engineering Inc. was the successful bidder of five firms that sought the engineering design contract, Cherokee Public Works Director Geoffrey E. Morton said in a memo to the county board.

The intersection of the three minor arterials is a triangle with a convenience store and gas station in the middle. Bells Ferry and Kellogg Creek form a signalized “T” intersection, while that of Victory and Kellogg Creek, about 400 feet to the west, has stop signs. Both experience significant delays during peak hours.

“There is recorded accident history at both intersections, and due to their close proximity, delays at one intersection affect the other,” Morton said. “The county has also received complaints about cut-through traffic at the gas station and convenience store.”

Southeastern is tasked with identifying right-of-way needs, environmental permits and utility conflicts; determining a project schedule, and conducting an informational open house to seek public comment when its design concept is finalized.