The second phase of the Candler Road Streetscape Project is under way.

Work crews began burying lines for utility lighting last week along the project that goes from I-285 to Memorial Drive.

On Feb. 20, county officials and community leaders staged a groundbreaking in front of New Life Community Center.

The $4 million Candler Road Pedestrian and Landscape Enhancement project will bring pedestrian and streetscape upgrades to the busy corridor.

It is part of a $10.4 million streetscape improvement project for Candler Road. The first phase – the Candler Road/Glenwood Avenue intersection – was completed in April 2007.

This phase includes sidewalks, stamped concrete buffers, pedestrian crossing signals, lighting, and bus stop waiting areas with benches and trash bins. It will take 18 months to complete and is expected to be finished by July 2010.

Because of recent drought conditions, Commissioner Larry Johnson’s office said that installation of plants, which is part of the project, will be dependent upon conditions.

Scott & Son Holdings LLC, a minority contractor with roots in South DeKalb, is the project’s contractor.

Johnson, who represents District 3 where the project is located, said he is looking forwarding to its completion.

“We expect that this will have a significant impact on the pedestrian access and safety,” he said. “It is great to have a homegrown vendor working on the project, too.”