DALTON, Ga. — The members of the Dalton City Council are expected to vote on bids to repair the failing westbound lane of Botany Woods Drive at their May 20 meeting.

Assistant Public Works Director Andrew Parker said Friday that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved construction plans this week, contingent on the city purchasing wetlands mitigation credits because the work will affect a nearby stream. Parker said Public Works officials met with potential contractors last week. The Public Works Department will open bids on the project at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

“We hope to have a proposal for the City Council to vote on at the May 20 meeting and be able to give the contractor the go ahead on May 21,” Parker said.

Heavy, persistent rains caused the westbound lane of Botany Woods Drive near its intersection with Mount Sinai Road to crack and buckle several weeks ago. There is one usable lane left. City officials designated the problem as an emergency and are working to prevent the remaining lane from becoming impassable. There are 18 homes above the failing road, which provides the only way in or out.

Parker said that so far the remaining lane of Botany Woods Drive remains usable.

Plans call for a contractor to flatten the slope of the road by hauling in and spreading dirt and other fill material.

“This is not going to be an easy project,” Parker said. “The contractor is going to have to maneuver their equipment around in a fairly small area.”

Parker said the contract calls for the contractor to have the slope substantially stabilized no later than 45 days after beginning work.