C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., which has an asphalt plant in LaGrange, has been awarded a contract for the second phase of the South Loop, a six-mile, two-lane highway that will connect Whitesville and Roanoke roads.

The Marietta-based company submitted the lowest of eight bids at $19,043,358.69.

“I’ve always been impressed with that company,” said county engineer James Emery, who has worked with C.W. Matthews on local resurfacing projects. “They’ll do a good job.”

Gov. Sonny Perdue had earmarked $25,254,000 in federal stimulus funds for South Loop.

A mile-long section of the project already has been completed, including a bridge over Blue John Creek. The second phase, scheduled for completion on Dec. 31, 2011, will include a railroad bridge near Roanoke Road.

The county already has acquired rights of way for the project and been reimbursed by the state. The county will pay for utility relocations with revenue from the special-purpose local-option sales tax.

Joel Martin can be reached at jmartin@lagrangenews.com or (706) 884-7311, Ext. 235.