An additional span at the end of U.S. Highway 190 in Covington would parallel the current bridge and help alleviate traffic congestion to Collins Boulevard, and the U. S. 190 bypass.

Councilman Lee Alexius gave plans for the area’s infrastructure at the Jan. 19, Covington City Council meeting, although a timeline has not yet been given. The additional span would provide four lanes, two in each direction at a cost of about $7-10 million. Other plans for the area would include a widening of Collins Boulevard o Lee Road at a cost of $5-7 million. A third phase of the project would continue the widening to La. Highway 25 intersection and would cost $18-21 million. Additional traffic circles also may be part of the project.

The entire project on the eastern side of Covington would cost an estimated $40-50 million and would take years to complete. A resolution supporting the application of a grant through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development that would help defray costs of a sidewalk to Pine View Middle School was also passed unanimously.

The adoption of the comprehensive zoning ordinance text ordinance was tabled until the March 2 meeting.

The street overlay project will continue with advertisement of bid requirements beginning shortly.

Councilwoman Frances Dunn thanked the council and the public for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration throughout the city. Response and participation was high and involved many segments of the community. About 300 people participated in the march and the rally at the Greater Covington Center was standing room only.

Dunn added that she hopes the additional publicity will spur interest in the revitalization project. She will meet with representatives from the project in the next few weeks.

In recreation news, Long time recreation director Lonnie Tucker has resigned to become a full-time pastor heading the Stillwater Baptist Church.

Mayor Candace Watkins said that he has done a lot of wonderful things for the department. About 40 resumes have already been received for the position, which is appointed by the mayor. As such, Watkins said anyone she appoints is only assured of the job for 17 months, the end of her term, as the new mayor would be able to appoint own department heads.

The museum to be housed in the Covington Trailhead is in final design stages. The film presenting the history of the city is complete and those who have previewed the film are pleased with the product. The planned opening for the museum will be sometime before April.