Despite heavy rains in December 2015, the new Enzor Road extension project is on track to open Dec. 1.

Tim Ramsden, engineer with CDG, updated Troy City Council members on the progress of the $9 million project Tuesday during their work session.

“The contractor started from Enzor road and has graded the first section to the first bridge, which is completed,” he said. “The second bridge is completed and all the bridges should be done next month.”

Ramsden said the rains in December created some delays, but the contractor had put effort into erosion control before the rains and has been working quickly to recover from the delays.

“From an engineering standpoint, I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “It’s very impressive … I’m very excited about the how it looks right now and I think you’re going to be proud.”

The roadwork is part of the construction of two major connector roads – from Franklin Drive and George Wallace Drive back to Enzor Road – being built in conjunction with the opening of the Park Place retail development on U.S. 231. The retail development will feature a Publix Supermarket and the nearly $10 million city investment in infrastructure and roadways was a key factor in recruiting the retailer and the private developers.

“I don’t see a problem with us making the Nov. 30 deadline for completion,” Ramsden said of the roadwork.

A groundbreaking was held in December for retail project being developed by Harbert Realty. Publix expects to open its store in 2017.

Ramsden also updated the city officials on a Transportation Alternatives Program grant application. The city voted Tuesday to apply for a grant to construct a multi-use walkway along Park Street between Madison and Elm streets. The walkway will be 10 feet wide and will consist of both concrete sidewalks and an elevated boardwalk, Ramsden said.

“It’s designed for both pedestrian and bicycle use,” he said.

The total project cost is estimated at $485,633 and the city would be required to contribute $101,326 if the grant is awarded. Ramsden said the grant application is due this week and the grants will be awarded in August or September. The project would take two years to design and build.

“This falls into our overall plan to try and connect the university and downtown,” said Mayor Jason Reeves.

In other business on Tuesday, the council:

• Approved an off-premises retail table wine license for McKenzie Oil, which operates the Marathon station at 202 U.S. 231.

• Approved a tax abatement for KW Plastics, which plans to undertake a $2 million expansion that will add up to 25 new jobs over the next five years. “We were very excited that we have another existing industry expanding again,” said Marsha Gaylard, president of the Pike County Economic Development Corp. Reeves said the expansion will include a new machine shop and retooling shop for KW, which is the world’s largest plastics recycling firm.

• Awarded a bid for repairs of the roof at Fire Station 2 to Johns and Kirksey Inc. of Tuscaloosa. The project was estimated at $75,000, but the lowest bid received was for $105,000. Reeves said the fire station was “in desperate need” of a new roof.

• Approved resolutions to position the city to support the Troy Hospital Health Care Authority in its efforts to restructure its debt. The city is a guarantor of the hospital’s debt.

• Reappointed Sherill Crowe to a four-year term on the Troy Hospital Health Care Authority