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Regional Boards => Southeast => Topic started by: Alex on January 20, 2009, 09:50:10 PM

Title: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on January 20, 2009, 09:50:10 PM
http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=9690187&nav=menu57_2

Highway 67 now open for 19 miles

Posted: Jan 16, 2009 10:03 PM

Updated: Jan 17, 2009 08:02 PM

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - A ribbon cutting ceremony in Biloxi Friday marked the official opening of the entire 19 mile portion of Highway 67. Motorists can now drive all the way from Interstate 110 in D'Iberville to Highway 49 in Saucier.

A few months ago, the northern portion of the highway opened to traffic. Friday's ceremony was to open the remaining 10 miles of the southern portion of 67.

It was long time coming to state Senator Tommy Gollott of Biloxi, who first suggested to his fellow legislators that Highway 67 be built.

It has taken a while. After all, that suggestion was made two decades ago.

"This is a special day. I have been waiting for this day for 20 years, " Gollott told those assembled for the ribbon cutting.

He wasn't joking. Gollott fought long and hard for this highway.

"I called it the gateway to South Mississippi," Gollott added.

He also pushed to make sure all 19 miles were four lanes. According to Southern District Highway Commissioner Wayne Brown, that decision was the right thing to do.

"A four lane highway is five times safer than a two lane highway, and over time that will save many lives," Brown said.

The highway cost about 72 million dollars to build and took more than six years from the time construction work actually started.

Brown and others agree the new highway will also serve as another evacuation route when a hurricane approaches and will certainly ease some of the traffic on Gulfport's Highway 49.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: FLRoads on January 20, 2009, 10:34:02 PM
When are we going to go see that??
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Darkchylde on January 21, 2009, 03:28:17 AM
I might get some snaps of that early next month while I'm out at the junkyard in Gulfport.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on January 21, 2009, 11:51:12 AM
I'm curious to see if Mississippi 15 was truncated to the new trumpet interchange (which was partially open in November) and if so, will they finally get rid of the useless overlap with Interstate 110 south to U.S. 90?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on January 27, 2009, 02:38:18 AM
When will see a Mobile-Meridian-Tupelo-Jackson(TN)-I-155 interstate?   :)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 27, 2009, 02:40:04 AM
that seems almost long enough to be an I-63.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on January 27, 2009, 08:08:50 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 27, 2009, 02:40:04 AM
that seems almost long enough to be an I-63.

Or a I-61 if I-63 is reserved for another corridor along US45 or in Alabama along US43
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on January 27, 2009, 10:26:30 PM
I didn't mean call that I-155.  I'm just saying have it tie into existing I-155 in TN then end at I-55.

@Froggie:  I think I can post my wishlist, whether it's not needed now or even in a hundred years.  Passive aggressive douche 10 years ago... Passive aggressive douche today...

How ya been, bra!   :-D
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on March 30, 2009, 07:53:15 PM
flaroadgeek and I drove the new Mississippi 67 yesterday and all of Mississippi 605 to check them out. Very nice roads so far.

We also checked out the new signage along U.S. 90 at MS 605's south end and U.S. 49's south end. Both intersections have '72 spec'd Interstate 10 MS shields that were installed in December 2008.

I posted some of the photos of MS 67/605 on the blog:

https://www.aaroads.com/blog/?p=198 (https://www.aaroads.com/blog/?p=198)

I-10 MS shields will be added later.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on May 12, 2009, 06:30:53 PM
Some Mississippi news:

http://www.sunherald.com/306/story/1341413.html (http://www.sunherald.com/306/story/1341413.html)

First, there are new Welcome Signs being posted, touting the state as the "Birthplace of America's Music".

So far, signs also have been placed at the Mississippi Welcome Center in Vicksburg off Interstate 20, on I-55 and U.S. Highways 78 and 61 in DeSoto County, I-20 in Lauderdale County and I-10 in Jackson and Hancock counties. Another will go up on I-55 in Pike County this week.

-------------------

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/newsreleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=542009104859 (http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/newsreleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=542009104859)

MDOT opened up another 4-lane section on US 84 last week through Jefferson Davis County, including the Prentiss Bypass and a new diamond interchange at MS 13.  There's a short 1 mile segment of 2-lane remaining just east of MS 13...completion of that 1 mile leg will complete the 4-laning of US 84 between Natchez and Waynesboro, leaving just the segment between Waynesboro and the Alabama line (which is now under construction).

-----------------

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/newsreleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=51200921209 (http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/newsreleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=51200921209)

http://www.sunherald.com/local/story/1316707.html (http://www.sunherald.com/local/story/1316707.html)


MDOT has changed their Hurricane Contraflow Plan on I-59, enabling contraflow operations up to near Milepost 55 (a few miles south of Hattiesburg).  Prior to this, the I-59 contraflow plan only went up to about Milepost 21 in Pearl River County, which caused *A LOT* of consternation during last year's Hurricane Gustav evacuation.

MDOT has the crossovers (but perhaps not the manpower) to provide for contraflow ops up to the south edge of Laurel, and IMO should pursue such.  That'd at least get the glut of evacuation traffic through Hattiesburg, where they'd also have the option of taking US 49 to the north.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on May 14, 2009, 03:07:12 AM
Took a spin up to State Line, MS last weekend and checked out the changes to MS 42, MS 57, and U.S. 45 since my last visit there in 2002.

Take a look at some photos, maps, and read when MS 57/63's four-laning will be completed at https://www.aaroads.com/blog/?p=201 (https://www.aaroads.com/blog/?p=201)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Bryant5493 on August 26, 2009, 04:30:10 PM
Below is some video I took of S.R. 67, from its northern terminus at U.S. 49 to its southern terminus at I-10 & 110 South. Also, S.R. 15 has been truncated to I-10 & 110 South; although, some signs still contradict this.

S.R. 67 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKbvkMmBD9k&feature=PlayList&p=35249007DDE01B64&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=12/)

Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: mightyace on September 16, 2009, 08:39:07 PM
From www.tollroadsnews.com (http://www.tollroadsnews.com):

A setback on the Jackson Airport Parkway project:

Mississippi DOT stops Jackson Airport Parkway P3 - rating agencies No to investment grade (http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4346)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on September 22, 2009, 11:07:32 PM
New construction project for I-55/I-220 area (http://www.mcherald.com/article/D6/20090922/NEWS/909220304)

Here's the details:

-Widen I-55 northbound from County Line Road through the I-220 interchange to provide at least three through lanes in both the southbound and northbound directions

-Construct a new connection from I-55 northbound immediately north of County Line Road, which will provide direct access to U.S. 51

-Reconstruct the existing east frontage road, which parallels I-55 between Dyess Street and Goodridge Road

-Construct a new collector/distributor road that will provide access from I-55 northbound and will extend from County Line Road to I-55 northbound just south of the Natchez Trace Parkway

Construction will start in two to three years, depending on funding. This will surely be a mess.

-Construct a new I-220 westbound, two-lane flyover bridge with direct access from County Line Road via a connection from the new collector/distributor road

-Replace or construct various bridges within the project limits to accommodate the new lanes on the Interstate and the new collector/distributor road

-Provide additional through lanes and dual turn lanes on the County Line Road bridge over I-55

-Widen the ramp approaches from I-55 southbound to County Line Road

-Increase the number of lanes on County Line Road to three through lanes in each direction from the I-55 interchange west to U.S. 51 and from the I-55 interchange east to Ridgewood Road

Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on September 23, 2009, 02:20:37 AM
Hey it's about high time for MDOT to get back to work on I-10.  The existing 6-lane is starting to crack, and there are multiple four lane segments that sorely need 6-laning.  I guess this will never happen. :( 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on November 08, 2009, 03:53:26 AM
I-10 widening in MS begins.  I-10 will be 8 lanes from I-110 to Exit 50 (4 miles approx.)  In a few years, the six laning will eventually continue to Mile 62.  That will mean a 34 mile long 6-lane in MS (Exit 28 to 62).  Just continuing my dream of having I-10 6-lanes from New Orleans to Pensacola (and by smaller extension Baton Rouge, one day hopefully).  Yes, I know some segments to Pensacola probably won't be 6-laned for decades.

Drivers might as well get used to the warning signs and orange barrels.This widening isn't the only work planned for I-10.

"After this one, the next segment, which may be a couple years down the road, will be Exit 57 and then mile marker 62, the Gautier-Vancleave exit," said Castleberry.

http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=11437222 (http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=11437222)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on November 27, 2009, 12:19:47 AM
Another article on lamsafl's news on the widening of I-10, scheduled to be completed by the end of next year:

Interstate 10 widening project to begin Monday (http://www.gulflive.com/news/mississippipress/news.ssf?/base/news/125716050751260.xml&coll=5)

QuoteKelly Castleberry, a Mississippi Department of Transportation district engineer, said MDOT will spend about $12.8 million to widen I-10 to eight lanes between I-110 and Miss. 609, about a 5-mile stretch where there are currently six lanes.

Also a project at the intersection of Mississippi 63 and 611:

QuoteIn Pascagoula, MDOT is also working on a long-planned Industrial Road project that will erect an overpass from Miss. 63 to Miss. 611, bypassing U.S. 90 and the CSX railroad.

It would also widen Miss. 611, or Industrial Road, to five lanes up to Chevron's front gate, where it would fall to two lanes. Construction is to begin near Frederick Avenue and Miss. 63, and the Shortcut Road intersection on Miss. 63 is to be relocated northward.

Castleberry said MDOT expects to bid that project early next year, with work to begin by early summer.

The project has been in the works since the early 1990s and will cost $45 million to $60 million to construct.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on January 31, 2010, 01:14:54 AM
Mississippi about to unleash a slew of Gulf Coast projects this year.  Here's the list.  http://www.sunherald.com/pageone/story/1909410.html
Among the interesting ones is a groundbreaking on the "middle section" of I-310 (Port Connector) from 28th St. to The Dupont Spur.  WTF is this?  I tried looking at all the pdf's and couldn't figure it out. 
Here are the pdf's the the final renderings and route alignment of I-310.  http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/Studies/Southern/I310/pdf/CentralHarrisonConnector.pdf

Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on January 31, 2010, 11:05:48 AM
I-310 is a suggested route number for that, once it's finished to Interstate-spec.  The official route number for it is MS 601.

MDOT's been planning for years for a better connector between I-10 and the Port of Gulfport.  It got funding via some large bond a few years ago, but getting it under construction has been hampered, first by Katrina, then more recently by increasing opposition to the southern segment not just from the city of Gulfport, but the Port itself (the former due to its elevated freeway design, the latter due to where it enters the Port grounds).

There's also been some questioning of the huge stack interchange planned at I-10.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 31, 2010, 01:23:48 PM
Wow,  I thought I-310 was all but dead.
BTW: Wasn't I-59 just recently paved from the LA state line up to the next county?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 31, 2010, 02:18:41 PM
Here are some plans for the I-55/I-220 interchange as well.
http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/Studies/Central/I55CLtoOldAg/pdf/PROPOSED_I-220_1_to_50.pdf
http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/Studies/Central/I55CLtoOldAg/pdf/PROPOSED_CO_LIN_RD_1_to_50.pdf
http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/Studies/Central/I55CLtoOldAg/pdf/3D_55-220.pdf
http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/Studies/Central/I55CLtoOldAg/pdf/3D-55to51_3.pdf
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on January 31, 2010, 02:52:33 PM
QuoteBTW: Wasn't I-59 just recently paved from the LA state line up to the next county?

South of Picayune and north of Poplarville, yes.  Most of the segment in between wasn't...and that's where the repaving part will come in.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Bryant5493 on February 28, 2010, 05:10:43 PM
Here's a short video that I wanted share from D'Iberville.




Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Bryant5493 on April 17, 2010, 06:48:11 PM
This video follows Goodman Road from Future I-22/U.S. 78 to I-55/69.




Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on April 21, 2010, 10:36:40 PM
looks like they are widening all of the little bridges on I-59 in Pearl River County to add shoulders.  I only saw two or three though.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on April 21, 2010, 11:44:26 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on April 21, 2010, 10:36:40 PM
looks like they are widening all of the little bridges on I-59 in Pearl River County to add shoulders.  I only saw two or three though.

I noticed that myself last month.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on April 22, 2010, 08:24:04 AM
That's a design-build project...they're going to do as many as funding allows...IIRC $10M.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 26, 2010, 04:02:14 PM
MDOT planning Hwy. 603 bypass for Kiln (http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100426/NEWS/100426013)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on April 26, 2010, 08:31:18 PM
That study has been ongoing for awhile now.  One of the options around Kiln is one I suggested and E-mailed them last year...
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Bryant5493 on May 13, 2010, 08:08:39 PM
Anybody know how the Mississippi Highway 19 construction has progressed from Collinsville north toward Philadelphia?


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on May 14, 2010, 08:59:06 AM
As I understand it, the first phase from Collinsville to near MS 492 is currently underway.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: SSF on May 14, 2010, 09:49:14 AM
they were clearing and grubbing last fall, I havent been by there in a while to check on the progress.

I guess they'd be working on hauling dirt now because there were some big fills needed on that stretch it looked like.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 17, 2010, 09:08:52 PM
I was last in that area last fall myself. I remember the construction work.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on June 17, 2010, 12:05:47 PM
MDOT to add an extra right turn lane and deceleration lane on I-55 South at the Byram exit.

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/NewsReleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=6152010120642 (http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/NewsReleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=6152010120642)


Work is also underway on I-20 in Rankin County as crews have just started a widening project that will add a third lane both ways between Pearson Road and the Crossgates Blvd./Greenfield Road exits. Work should wrap up in August 2012.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on June 17, 2010, 02:16:35 PM
Even though it probably doesn't need it, I have always wished that they wlden I-20 to Clinton. I also wish that they would do something with the western split of I-55. I see that they are replacing one of the bridges just east of it.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on June 19, 2010, 12:48:39 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on June 17, 2010, 02:16:35 PM
Even though it probably doesn't need it, I have always wished that they wlden I-20 to Clinton. I also wish that they would do something with the western split of I-55. I see that they are replacing one of the bridges just east of it.

Yes, it's the overpass over State Street. I wonder when that work is done, will the ramps they built at Gallatin Street be permanant.

I always hoped they widen I-55 from I-20 to Byram/Siwell Road. But then again, they can't figure out how to make the asphalt last everytime they repave it. I swear that repaving job they just did a few years ago along the same stretch has already fallen apart.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 19, 2010, 07:39:44 PM
Here's a link to the I-20 project in the Jackson area:

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/Updates/Central/Home.aspx

I'm with Uptown as far as I-55 south is concerned. I was told that MDOT is about to extend the southbound ramp from I-55 at the Byram interchange. I saw on MDOT's website (http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/NewsReleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=1272009122252) that they plan on doing overlay work on I-55 starting in January.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 20, 2010, 04:27:19 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 17, 2010, 12:05:47 PM
MDOT to add an extra right turn lane and deceleration lane on I-55 South at the Byram exit.

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/NewsReleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=6152010120642 (http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/NewsReleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=6152010120642)


Work is also underway on I-20 in Rankin County as crews have just started a widening project that will add a third lane both ways between Pearson Road and the Crossgates Blvd./Greenfield Road exits. Work should wrap up in August 2012.

I was on I-20 today and saw no construction activity going on. Granted, I only drove down to Airport Road (about halfway between Pearson and Greenfield), so unless something did start, it must be closer to Greenfield. But there would've been orange "road work ahead" signs even if they were doing something. It also didn't make since to resurface I-20 if they're going to add on extra lanes.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: SSF on July 14, 2010, 08:28:22 PM
drove the SR 19 project last night on my way to Philadelphia for ice cream, yea, ice cream that is it.

For the first 6 mile portion of the total project, I estimate you drive on the new alignment for probably 5 miles.  The old alignment was in various states, the first 1.5 miles were ready to be boxed out and rocked/paved, the next mile needed some more grading work as it still was pretty far from being ready.  The last 3.5 miles seemed to have just been full depth milled and no earthwork done on it at all.

The 2nd part of the project drove on the old alignment.  However, the contractor was putting on the final lift it looked like at 7pm last night.  Looked like it will be ready for traffic in another few weeks at least for the first few miles of the 2nd project.  The one bridge on the project didnt have it's crash barrier completed so I would say it's a good month or two from being completed.  All in all, the 2nd project is definitely not as far along as the first. 

What is the completion date? Spring 2011?  Definitely doable unless there is a severe hurricane season this summer/fall or another rainy winter in MS.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on July 26, 2010, 03:08:07 PM
The new US 82 Greenville Bridge will open on Wednesday.  MDOT had the ribbon-cutting this morning.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010100713007
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: agentsteel53 on July 26, 2010, 03:26:03 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 26, 2010, 03:08:07 PM
The new US 82 Greenville Bridge will open on Wednesday.  MDOT had the ribbon-cutting this morning.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010100713007


will the old bridge remain in service?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on July 26, 2010, 05:37:16 PM
The old bridge will be demolished.  It's overly narrow (2 narrow lanes with no shoulders), and has long been a safety hazard to river navigation (several barges have brushed up against the west pier over the years).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: agentsteel53 on July 26, 2010, 05:40:57 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 26, 2010, 05:37:16 PM
The old bridge will be demolished.  It's overly narrow (2 narrow lanes with no shoulders), and has long been a safety hazard to river navigation (several barges have brushed up against the west pier over the years).


dang.  what year is that old bridge from?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on July 26, 2010, 05:43:02 PM
1940
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: agentsteel53 on July 26, 2010, 05:49:14 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 26, 2010, 05:43:02 PM
1940

fairly recent for such a narrow bridge. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 26, 2010, 10:52:36 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on July 26, 2010, 05:49:14 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 26, 2010, 05:43:02 PM
1940

fairly recent for such a narrow bridge.  
Accord to John Weeks' website http://www.johnweeks.com/river_mississippi/ (http://www.johnweeks.com/river_mississippi/) on Mississippi River crossings; only two bridges (for highway traffic) were completed prior to 1940 south of Memphis. Huey Long (1) near New Orleans in 1935 and the old Vicksburg Bridge in 1930. Several more were opened in 1940 (Huey Long 2, Natchez-Vidalia, and Greenville) followed by the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge (modern day I-55) in 1949 and the Helena Bridge in 1961 (and on into the "modern era")
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on July 26, 2010, 11:18:47 PM
I saw the report of the bridge on the news tonight. Looks like a beautiful bridge. My grandma lives in the Delta. I may ask her if she wants me to take her to Greenville. That'll be a good excuse to take a trip up there.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on July 29, 2010, 12:39:47 AM
Not exactly highway news, but Jackson city council approves two-waying Capitol Street in downtown (http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/index.php/site/comments/council_approves_capitol_street_construction_072810/).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on July 29, 2010, 10:08:06 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 26, 2010, 03:08:07 PM
The new US 82 Greenville Bridge will open on Wednesday.  MDOT had the ribbon-cutting this morning.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010100713007


As of 10am today (Thursday) the new bridge has not yet opened. It appears MDOT wants to resurface US 82 up the the edge of the old bridge first (the top layer had been ground off and they were laying new pavemtn today). This makes no sense unless they are doing it for casino traffic.

I spoke with the rest area folks in Greenville,  as well as the ones in Lake Village, but no one knew when the bridge would open since it hadn't already. :confused:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 29, 2010, 10:19:07 PM
Quote from: US71 on July 29, 2010, 10:08:06 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 26, 2010, 03:08:07 PM
The new US 82 Greenville Bridge will open on Wednesday.  MDOT had the ribbon-cutting this morning.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010100713007


As of 10am today (Thursday) the new bridge has not yet opened. It appears MDOT wants to resurface US 82 up the the edge of the old bridge first (the top layer had been ground off and they were laying new pavemtn today). This makes no sense unless they are doing it for casino traffic.

I spoke with the rest area in Greenville as awll as the on in Lake Village, but no one knew when the bridge would open since it hadn't already. :confused:


You spoke to a rest area?  What did it sound like?  :hmmm: :sombrero:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on August 01, 2010, 10:19:39 AM
Here's something I found in the the local fish wrap (http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100801/NEWS/8010349/City+priming+for+growth) this morning:

Byram is banking on its more than 6,000 acres of undeveloped land and its position in the middle of two major parkway projects - one that would connect I-55 in Byram to I-20 in Clinton and the other that would connect I-55 in Byram to U.S. 49 in Florence.

I know about the proposed connector from Byram to Clinton, but not the Byram-to-Florence one. I need to read up on that one.

UPDATE: I found a website about it: http://earmarks.omb.gov/earmarks-public/authorization_earmarks/earmark_188479.html
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Bryant5493 on August 12, 2010, 04:49:35 PM
Quote from: osu-lsu on July 29, 2010, 10:19:07 PM
You spoke to a rest area?  What did it sound like?  :hmmm: :sombrero:

:-D :-D


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on August 15, 2010, 06:12:01 PM
Quote from: osu-lsu on July 29, 2010, 10:19:07 PM
You spoke to a rest area?  What did it sound like?  :hmmm: :sombrero:


*Whoosh*  :spin:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 23, 2010, 01:06:03 AM
I've noticed that on the 6-lane portion of I-55 north of Jackson, the northbound lanes have no shoulders and the southbound lanes only have an inside shoulder for about 2 miles. Is there a specific reason for this? If I'm not mistake it has been that way for years.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on August 23, 2010, 08:05:54 AM
Only a few years.  No earlier than 2006.  Somehow, MDOT got approval from FHWA to convert the shoulders on I-55 into "temporary travel lanes" between Old Agency Rd and MS 463....not unlike what they did with a stretch of I-10 in Biloxi/Ocean Springs after Katrina.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on August 23, 2010, 02:13:04 PM
I never noticed it, and I drive that stretch about every other day.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 23, 2010, 07:06:34 PM
I'm assuming that there was a lack of funding or a time constraint???
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on August 29, 2010, 05:05:32 PM
Anyone have updates on how construction is progressing on Corridor V/ MS 6 from Pontotoc to Tupelo?

EDIT - FOUND INFO I WAS LOOKING FOR:

From a June 25 MDOT News Release:

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/newsreleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=625201035359

"Grade, drain and bridge project on relocated SR 6 — This project on SR 6 from near the Natchez Trace Parkway to SR 145 south of Tupelo in Lee County is underway and is approximately 50% complete.  This project was let in January 2009 with a projected completion date of December 2011.  The Contractor on this is Hill Brothers Construction Co., Inc. and has a contract amount of $29,296,176.  This section will complete grading work on SR 6 from SR 342 in Pontotoc County into Tupelo and a paving contract will follow the completion of the grading project to connect into south Tupelo."

Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on September 06, 2010, 01:10:09 PM
Next question... What is with the freaky combo of pavement types on I-55 between Woodrow Wilson and Fortification? I've never seen pavements like this in MS and I've never seen overpasses paved over there either. The pavement, I want to believe, has been there for at least 2 years now and it was just as thin and rough when they layed it down as it is now. I think that the northbound lanes are light gray, and the southbound lanes are dark gray, instead of the usual "brownish" pavement that MDOT uses.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on September 06, 2010, 05:50:00 PM
I live in Jackson and I can't explain the I-55 pavement. To be honest, I never really gave the pavement much thought.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 06, 2010, 08:56:33 PM
Quoteinstead of the usual "brownish" pavement that MDOT uses.

In my experience, MDOT hasn't used "brownish" pavement since at least the '90s.  Every overlay job I've saw from 98-01 and 05-08 (my two timeperiods stationed there) was the "standard" black asphalt.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on September 06, 2010, 09:56:12 PM
From my observation the black asphalt wears down to the brownish color except for in the coastal region where they use asphalt that wears down to a grayish color.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: wriddle082 on September 09, 2010, 10:54:48 PM
In Tennessee, the brown asphalt generally only exists near the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers (Chattanooga and Memphis areas especially), except around Knoxville where it's mostly gray.  It's all gray in Nashville as well.

I think the asphalt color mostly has to do with the type of locally-obtained aggregate that's used.  Mostly brown when it's dredged out of a river, mostly gray when it comes from a quarry, and mostly white when there are seashells involved (Florida).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: mightyace on September 10, 2010, 05:27:46 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on September 09, 2010, 10:54:48 PM
I think the asphalt color mostly has to do with the type of locally-obtained aggregate that's used.  Mostly brown when it's dredged out of a river, mostly gray when it comes from a quarry, and mostly white when there are seashells involved (Florida).

I think that you are right.  In the area of Pennsylvania I grew up in, there is a lot of sedimentary rock.  Some roads used aggregate made out of red shale and faded to a pink color.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: DollarBill on September 14, 2010, 05:38:27 PM
I never figured out why they just didnt use the same pavement within the curvy area as they did on the rest of I-55 north of I-20.

Off topic but: whats with the acne, country road sounding pavement that is used on highways in states like florida and why wont mississippi start using it??? Im sure pavement like this would be safer to drive on during wet weather, providing more grip.  
Title: Brinkley AR to Batesville MS Corridor Public Meetings
Post by: Grzrd on September 17, 2010, 02:30:39 PM
Went with "Southeast" instead of "Mid-South" because I got link from MDOT site.

Essentially, the Brinkley to Batesville Highway Corridor has been proposed in order to connect I-55 in MS with I-40 in AR. Public meetings next week in Clarksdale, MS (Wednesday) and Helena/ West Helena, AR (Thursday) regarding the study of the corridor.  In case anyone in area might want to attend:

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/Studies/Northern/BatesvilletoBrinkley/pdf/Display%20Ad.pdf
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on September 17, 2010, 06:08:47 PM
Quote from: DollarBill on September 14, 2010, 05:38:27 PM
I never figured out why they just didnt use the same pavement within the curvy area as they did on the rest of I-55 north of I-20.

Off topic but: whats with the acne, country road sounding pavement that is used on highways in states like florida and why wont mississippi start using it??? Im sure pavement like this would be safer to drive on during wet weather, providing more grip. 

Yea, it really looks retarded. The pavement isn't even and chunks of it are coming up. Last time I was there I noticed that they had poured a thin layer of the same asphalt over the bridges on I-20. Lastly, I still can't figure out why they would use two different pavement types for the northbound and southbound lanes.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on September 20, 2010, 07:54:11 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on September 17, 2010, 02:30:39 PM
Went with "Southeast" instead of "Mid-South" because I got link from MDOT site.

Essentially, the Brinkley to Batesville Highway Corridor has been proposed in order to connect I-55 in MS with I-40 in AR. Public meetings next week in Clarksdale, MS (Wednesday) and Helena/ West Helena, AR (Thursday) regarding the study of the corridor.  In case anyone in area might want to attend:

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/Studies/Northern/BatesvilletoBrinkley/pdf/Display%20Ad.pdf


So basically it's a study to four-lane US 49 and US 278?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on September 20, 2010, 10:17:06 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on September 20, 2010, 07:54:11 AM
So basically it's a study to four-lane US 49 and US 278?
I just stumbled upon the Notice when looking for info on the Memphis 3rd Mississippi River Bridge (aka Southern Gateway Project) and that's all I know.  The meetings did pique my interest because I was wondering how feasible it would be to upgrade the current US 49 bridge and the 278/49 upgrade approach appears to be the most realistic economic possibility.  A local newspaper will probably gives us a report from the meetings, but I just wanted to post the Notice in case someone from the area could give a more roadgeek detail-oriented report of the presentation.

Here is pdf of MDOT's "Study Purpose and Needs": http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/Studies/Northern/BatesvilletoBrinkley/pdf/PN%20Statement.pdf
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 20, 2010, 12:51:04 PM
The existing US 49 bridge is a through truss.  Not upgradeable.

I got an e-mail reply from the lead consultant.  In a nutshell, they've just now begun the study so everything is on the table.  Over the "next several months", they'll be working on a preliminary list of corridors.  Upgrading existing corridors is certainly possible.  A new construction corridor is just as equally possible.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on September 21, 2010, 03:06:50 PM
Although "Project Study and Needs" focuses on I-40 to I-55 link, given that Corridor V/MS 6 is already 4-laned from Pontotoc to Batesville, and MS 9 four-laning will have a high priority because of the Blue Springs Toyota Plant, this would create a pretty impressive four-lane "southern outer bypass" of Memphis from I-22 to I-40 for traffic coming from and going to Birmingham, Atlanta, etc.

Big picture wise, still eyeballing the map, what would be the optimal way to connect this corridor with the Southern Gateway corridor? 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Marc on September 25, 2010, 01:21:30 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on September 06, 2010, 01:10:09 PM
Next question... What is with the freaky combo of pavement types on I-55 between Woodrow Wilson and Fortification?

Well, that stretch was asphalted a few years back because the original un-slabbed concrete was getting huge gaps in between lanes and pre and post-bridge joints were getting uneven. So, MS overlaid it with asphalt. From what I understand, people started to slip and slide around the tight curves, so MDOT later added another layer of asphalt, a more course type of asphalt that improves traction. That's the rough gray stuff you're referring to. If it were me, I'd totally re-route the roadway through there. It can be a pretty dangerous stretch of highway.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on September 29, 2010, 01:18:02 AM
Quote from: Marc on September 25, 2010, 01:21:30 AM
If it were me, I'd totally re-route the roadway through there. It can be a pretty dangerous stretch of highway.

Wow, I can remember hearing a woman named Nancy Bell gripe about that very thing when she was doing traffic reports on the 'JDX Flying-J.  That was in the 1970s, and still nothing has been done to improve the stretch of freeway between Lakeland and Fortification.  I don't know what can be done about it, though, unless we destroy some houses in Belhaven or move the Jackson Waterworks. 

Maybe by 2040.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Marc on October 18, 2010, 01:24:45 AM
I went to Jackson, MS and Memphis, TN last week and stumbled upon something worth mentioning here.

MDOT is in the process of destroying a section of slabbed concrete on I-20 just barely inside Hinds County. This section was getting pretty bad, even after diamond grinding. Since they are destroying the section completely (roadway is down to two lanes in parts), it leads me to believe that they will be resurfacing with new concrete rather than a cheap asphalt overlay.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alps on October 18, 2010, 06:25:57 PM
Quote from: Marc on October 18, 2010, 01:24:45 AM
I went to Jackson, MS and Memphis, TN last week and stumbled upon something worth mentioning here.

MDOT is in the process of destroying a section of slabbed concrete on I-20 just barely inside Hinds County. This section was getting pretty bad, even after diamond grinding. Since they are destroying the section completely (roadway is down to two lanes in parts), it leads me to believe that they will be resurfacing with new concrete rather than a cheap asphalt overlay.
Not necessarily.  They could be doing a full-depth asphalt replacement.  Once you have to rip up the whole road anyway, then you do a whole new cost assessment to determine what works best.  NJ has done full-depth asphalt replacement of former concrete roads in many locations.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Marc on October 18, 2010, 06:52:59 PM
Quote from: AlpsROADS on October 18, 2010, 06:25:57 PM
Not necessarily. They could be doing a full-depth asphalt replacement.

I could be, but there is also another reason to believe it will be replaced with concrete. There is old and newer concrete (probably 10-15 years old) within the stretch, and they alternate what sides of the roads they are on. For example, once you enter Hinds County heading eastbound, you are on newer concrete and westbound is driving on old concrete. Then after a few miles, it switches, so eastbound has the old concrete and westbound has newer concrete. Not sure why they did it like that, but they did. They are strictly digging up the old concrete through this stretch. They have the roadway down to one lane each direction some places.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on October 19, 2010, 01:38:03 PM
Quote from: AlpsROADS on October 18, 2010, 06:25:57 PM
Quote from: Marc on October 18, 2010, 01:24:45 AM
I went to Jackson, MS and Memphis, TN last week and stumbled upon something worth mentioning here.

MDOT is in the process of destroying a section of slabbed concrete on I-20 just barely inside Hinds County. This section was getting pretty bad, even after diamond grinding. Since they are destroying the section completely (roadway is down to two lanes in parts), it leads me to believe that they will be resurfacing with new concrete rather than a cheap asphalt overlay.
Not necessarily.  They could be doing a full-depth asphalt replacement.  Once you have to rip up the whole road anyway, then you do a whole new cost assessment to determine what works best.  NJ has done full-depth asphalt replacement of former concrete roads in many locations.

They could also be doing a concrete rubbilization where the concrete is pulverized and used as a new base material for the new pavement, whether it be asphalt or concrete.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on October 19, 2010, 05:06:54 PM
I doubt it's a full-depth pavement replacement.  That's not in MDOT's modus-operandi.  More likely, it's what cody mentioned....concrete rubblization, then lay asphalt on top.

They did something roughly similar on I-20/59 east of Meridian a few years ago, though on that project they preceeded the overlay with a massive concrete repair instead of rubblization.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on November 10, 2010, 02:15:49 PM
On a recent trip to Slidell from N. La., I noticed a couple of interesting things...

GOOD:  I actually saw NEW I-55 signs that were NON-neutered!  :love:  The backs of these signs were painted a glossy jet-black.  :clap:

BAD:  What is with the MS 822 signs on my favorite stretch of highway--US 80 EB from MS 27 in Vxbrg?  :hmmm: Then in Crystal Spgs, on what should've been US 51 NB I noticed another MS 8xx sign, and no signs for US 51 SB or NB.  But then, going down I-55 SB, there were detour signs out for US 51.  Can any1 tell me what is going on???  :confused:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 10, 2010, 02:57:02 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on November 10, 2010, 02:15:49 PM
I actually saw NEW I-55 signs that were NON-neutered!  :love:  The backs of these signs were painted a glossy jet-black.  :clap:

I think those have something to do with ContraFlow, but I'm not sure.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on November 10, 2010, 02:59:13 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on November 10, 2010, 02:57:02 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on November 10, 2010, 02:15:49 PM
I actually saw NEW I-55 signs that were NON-neutered!  :love:  The backs of these signs were painted a glossy jet-black.  :clap:

I think those have something to do with ContraFlow, but I'm not sure.

I think you are right. I've seen similar shiels along I-59 in Mississippi with the jet-black back on them.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on November 10, 2010, 03:05:15 PM
All of theses new signs were on I-55 NB, and some were north of the contra-flow area.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 10, 2010, 04:08:14 PM
QuoteBAD:  What is with the MS 822 signs on my favorite stretch of highway--US 80 EB from MS 27 in Vxbrg?   Then in Crystal Spgs, on what should've been US 51 NB I noticed another MS 8xx sign, and no signs for US 51 SB or NB.  But then, going down I-55 SB, there were detour signs out for US 51.  Can any1 tell me what is going on???  

It's not bad, per se...I think you've just been mistaken.  Officially, US 80 has been duplexed with I-20 between Louisiana and Exit 35 in Clinton for over 2 decades.  What was old US 80 between Vicksburg and Bovina has been MS 822 for years...but historically, Mississippi 7xx, 8xx, and 9xx routes have been unposted or underposted over the years.

Similar situation with US 51 in Crystal Springs.  Again here, US 51 has duplexed with I-55 between Crystal Springs and Jackson for decades...using MS 27 to make the crossover between old route and Interstate.  Old US 51 north of MS 27 up to the Copiah/Hinds County line is officially MS 801.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on November 10, 2010, 04:24:16 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 10, 2010, 04:08:14 PM
QuoteBAD:  What is with the MS 822 signs on my favorite stretch of highway--US 80 EB from MS 27 in Vxbrg?   Then in Crystal Spgs, on what should've been US 51 NB I noticed another MS 8xx sign, and no signs for US 51 SB or NB.  But then, going down I-55 SB, there were detour signs out for US 51.  Can any1 tell me what is going on??? 

It's not bad, per se...I think you've just been mistaken.  Officially, US 80 has been duplexed with I-20 between Louisiana and Exit 35 in Clinton for over 2 decades.  What was old US 80 between Vicksburg and Bovina has been MS 822 for years...but historically, Mississippi 7xx, 8xx, and 9xx routes have been unposted or underposted over the years.


Even though the US 80 signs are still posted along this route?  :confused:

Quote from: froggie on November 10, 2010, 04:08:14 PM

Similar situation with US 51 in Crystal Springs.  Again here, US 51 has duplexed with I-55 between Crystal Springs and Jackson for decades...using MS 27 to make the crossover between old route and Interstate.  Old US 51 north of MS 27 up to the Copiah/Hinds County line is officially MS 801.

I've never been on I-55 between Crystal Spgs and Byram (13 miles).  but wouldn't you see signs for US 51 on MS 27 from I-55 to where US 51 runs south?  I never saw a US 51 sign anywhere in Crystal Spgs.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: agentsteel53 on November 10, 2010, 04:34:09 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on November 10, 2010, 04:24:16 PM

Even though the US 80 signs are still posted along this route?  :confused:


leftovers.  a friend of mine found an embossed MISS/US/80 shield on that road in 2008!
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: FLRoads on November 10, 2010, 05:45:59 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on November 10, 2010, 02:59:13 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on November 10, 2010, 02:57:02 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on November 10, 2010, 02:15:49 PM
I actually saw NEW I-55 signs that were NON-neutered!  :love:  The backs of these signs were painted a glossy jet-black.  :clap:

I think those have something to do with ContraFlow, but I'm not sure.

I think you are right. I've seen similar shiels along I-59 in Mississippi with the jet-black back on them.

The black back signs indicate that it is a newer installation. I do not believe that the different backs have anything to do with contra-flow. I have seen several black backed signs in the northern part of the state (well away from the contra-flow areas) and all of those, like the ones mentioned here, are state named shields. So if you see a black backed sign, that is pretty much an indication that it will be a state named, at least in my travels through Mississippi lately...     :D
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 10, 2010, 05:58:57 PM
QuoteEven though the US 80 signs are still posted along this route?

MDOT isn't exactly a bastion of signage efficiency.

QuoteI've never been on I-55 between Crystal Spgs and Byram (13 miles).  but wouldn't you see signs for US 51 on MS 27 from I-55 to where US 51 runs south?  I never saw a US 51 sign anywhere in Crystal Spgs.

This is a different situation than what I recall.  In the not-too-distant past, US 51 was signed fairly well along its duplex with MS 27.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on November 11, 2010, 12:34:58 PM
I personally am thrilled that MsDOT still has US 80 signed on the original route.  They sure don't have it signed on I-20 btwn Vxburg and Jackson.  And WOW, what a find!  An embossed shield! 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on November 11, 2010, 12:50:45 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on November 11, 2010, 12:34:58 PM
I personally am thrilled that MsDOT still has US 80 signed on the original route.  They sure don't have it signed on I-20 btwn Vxburg and Jackson.  And WOW, what a find!  An embossed shield! 

There are a few in Vicksburg itself, but it's not well signed:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2393%2F2259318856_37c730d914_d.jpg&hash=df95cf6b1ca2c267b545145ed81dda78ea0661aa)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3461%2F3390609591_b89b8598e2_d.jpg&hash=856f593c3833ba7b3bd141feb0a5d3c0b14eafb8)

This next one seems to show 80 following its old alignment, but it disappears after this point until Clinton
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3576%2F3391372546_977604fde3_z_d.jpg&hash=00c8aad69f22304a5a6cb50fe00992e15caeec68)

Here EB 80 splits off I-20 until you get to near Meridian.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3504%2F3783103581_3826176005_z_d.jpg&hash=09377a62039f79869172246b4dbcb657944bf109)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: agentsteel53 on November 11, 2010, 01:07:16 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on November 11, 2010, 12:34:58 PM
And WOW, what a find!  An embossed shield! 

it, ahem, followed him home.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on November 16, 2010, 05:34:46 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 11, 2010, 12:50:45 PM

There are a few in Vicksburg itself, but it's not well signed:

This next one seems to show 80 following its old alignment, but it disappears after this point until Clinton
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3576%2F3391372546_977604fde3_z_d.jpg&hash=00c8aad69f22304a5a6cb50fe00992e15caeec68)


There are more US 80 signs beyond this point marking the original route almost all the way to Bovina.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on November 19, 2010, 06:55:15 PM
Something else I noticed on MS 27 btwn Vxburg and Utica....there seems to be a "camera complex" on both sides of the road, and the little bit of the road going between them has been repaved.  What is this?  Big brother?  :hmmm:   
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: mightyace on November 22, 2010, 02:05:00 AM
It sounds like it could be speeding cameras to take pictures of cars speeding and then mail them a ticket.

There are also red light cameras but you didn't say it was near a light.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 22, 2010, 08:05:59 AM
State law prohibits speed and red light cameras in Mississippi, so it's not that.

One possibility is an origin-destination study...occasionally cameras are used to record license plates to aid in figuring out where traffic is going.  Most people don't understand it, but it's *VERY* important for planning and corridor studies.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Bryant5493 on November 26, 2010, 09:14:54 AM
Quick Question: U.S. 90 between Mobile and Biloxi, is a worthwhile scenic drive? I'm thinking the next time that I go to Biloxi, to drive that portion than getting on I-10. Suggestions/comments welcomed. Thanks.


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 26, 2010, 10:45:09 AM
Not really in that direction.  It's more scenic west of Biloxi over to Bay St. Louis, then again in eastern Orleans Parish between the Rigolets and Chef Menteur.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on November 28, 2010, 11:13:52 PM
Quote from: Bryant5493 on November 26, 2010, 09:14:54 AM
Quick Question: U.S. 90 between Mobile and Biloxi, is a worthwhile scenic drive? I'm thinking the next time that I go to Biloxi, to drive that portion than getting on I-10. Suggestions/comments welcomed. Thanks.


Be well,

Bryant

I agree with Froggie. However, I'd take the Ocean Springs exit and start from there. I will say, though, that driving down U.S. 90 does depress me at times because of all the businesses and homes I used to see were swept away by Katrina. There's still a lot of evidence of that there.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on November 29, 2010, 05:50:31 PM
The camera cluster was located just south of the Big Black River where there was cotton fields on both sides of the road and the road is pretty flat and straight.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Bryant5493 on November 29, 2010, 08:10:56 PM
Thanks, froggie and golden eagle. I should be going to the Biloxi area this Christmas, so I'll be getting I-165 in Mobile County and U.S. 90 between Mobile and Biloxi on film, as I've not driven U.S. 90 east of Ocean Springs. I've only been on U.S. 90 from where the Wendy's is in Ocean Springs to just past the port in Gulfport, just entering Long Beach.


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on November 29, 2010, 11:18:04 PM
Quote from: Bryant5493 on November 29, 2010, 08:10:56 PM
Thanks, froggie and golden eagle. I should be going to the Biloxi area this Christmas, so I'll be getting I-165 in Mobile County and U.S. 90 between Mobile and Biloxi on film, as I've not driven U.S. 90 east of Ocean Springs. I've only been on U.S. 90 from where the Wendy's is in Ocean Springs to just past the port in Gulfport, just entering Long Beach.


Be well,

Bryant

Whenever I'd come back from the Mobile/Pensacola area to Louisiana, I always get off at the East Pascagoula/East Moss Point Exit (Miss. 63) and drive on 90 past Waveland, then get on Miss. 607 North back to I-10.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: agentsteel53 on November 29, 2010, 11:21:20 PM
I just saw some brand new retroreflective signs that still use the Pensacola/Pascagoula pair of control cities.  They were in Mobile, I think.

is there any reason to still be signing that pair?  New Orleans has been a perfectly valid control city since the 1970s when I-10 was completed through Mississippi (and is much more likely where people are going) - and, of course, a sign that says, upon quick reading, "10 P...a/10 P...a" is not confusing in the slightest  :-/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on November 29, 2010, 11:30:46 PM
History: Pascagoula was used for I-10 West because until the early 80s, there was a gap on the highway in both directions where it crossed the West and East Pascagoula rivers and its associated wetlands and the Escatawpa River and its wetlands. Drivers from Mobile had to get off at Franklin Creek Road just east of Pascagoula and use U.S. 90 through town until they got to Gautier to get back on the interstate.

Why Pascagoula is still used today I have no clue.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on November 29, 2010, 11:33:16 PM
Found a video from WLBT-TV in Jackson that features the takedown of the Benjamin Humphreys bridge outside Greenville.

http://www.wlbt.com/global/category.asp?c=195965&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5277901&flvUri=&partnerclipid= (http://www.wlbt.com/global/category.asp?c=195965&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5277901&flvUri=&partnerclipid=)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on December 12, 2010, 11:40:39 PM
Vandals spray paint BGSs on I-55 in Jackson (http://www.wapt.com/news/26109585/detail.html)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on December 13, 2010, 10:58:44 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on November 29, 2010, 11:30:46 PM
History: Pascagoula was used for I-10 West because until the early 80s, there was a gap on the highway in both directions where it crossed the West and East Pascagoula rivers and its associated wetlands and the Escatawpa River and its wetlands. Drivers from Mobile had to get off at Franklin Creek Road just east of Pascagoula and use U.S. 90 through town until they got to Gautier to get back on the interstate.

Why Pascagoula is still used today I have no clue.

I-10 East uses Bay St. Louis in Slidell for some reason, too. I assume for the same reason (the interstate used to end just inside the MS border).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: SSF on January 14, 2011, 05:19:25 PM
When I drove through MS on I-20 today, I saw some MDOT surveyors out in the median around Morton and 3 miles east of Morton.  Would they be widening it to 6 lanes out that far? it's a good 20 miles past the last bit of 6 lane widening they are working on now.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on January 16, 2011, 09:19:44 PM
No they wouldn't be widening that far out.  Would be something else.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 21, 2011, 01:55:00 PM
Whatever become of I-10 port connector or the redisgn of the I-10/I-110 interchange?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on January 21, 2011, 02:39:55 PM
As I understand it, clearing is underway for part of the port connector.

The I-10/110 interchange is currently in the environmental study phase.  MDOT's STIP includes ROW acquistion, but no construction, through 2013.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on January 24, 2011, 10:59:28 AM
Quote from: SSF on January 14, 2011, 05:19:25 PM
When I drove through MS on I-20 today, I saw some MDOT surveyors out in the median around Morton and 3 miles east of Morton.  Would they be widening it to 6 lanes out that far? it's a good 20 miles past the last bit of 6 lane widening they are working on now.

Likely, they're doing the same thing they've done in Vicksburg and on a few stretches along 20 toward Jackson.  They survey and mark locations in various ways, leave, then soon return and build buffer fences along each set of lanes.  I'd look for those fences near Morton within a month or so, based on what you've described.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 24, 2011, 11:48:58 AM
Quote from: froggie on January 21, 2011, 02:39:55 PM
As I understand it, clearing is underway for part of the port connector.

The I-10/110 interchange is currently in the environmental study phase.  MDOT's STIP includes ROW acquistion, but no construction, through 2013.

I've also heard that they're looking to fund a third interstate between I-10 and U.S. 90? Any truth to this?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on January 24, 2011, 11:50:14 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on November 29, 2010, 11:33:16 PM
Found a video from WLBT-TV in Jackson that features the takedown of the Benjamin Humphreys bridge outside Greenville.

http://www.wlbt.com/global/category.asp?c=195965&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5277901&flvUri=&partnerclipid= (http://www.wlbt.com/global/category.asp?c=195965&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5277901&flvUri=&partnerclipid=)

Depressing   :thumbdown:  :-(  :-(  :-(  :-(
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on January 24, 2011, 12:01:54 PM
QuoteI've also heard that they're looking to fund a third interstate between I-10 and U.S. 90? Any truth to this?

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/Facts/Southern/EastHarrisonConnector/pdf/EastHarrisonConnector.pdf

This PDF is about 5 years old.  Several groups (especially those along Popps Ferry Rd) are opposed to the magnitude of it.  Biloxi and MPO officials at the time preferred a 4-lane at-grade arterial corridor tying directly into (and utilizing) Popps Ferry Rd, including an extension of the road south to US 90 near the Coast Coliseum...that southern extension is something Biloxi is still pursuing.  Otherwise, there hasn't been any news on this for many years...
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on January 24, 2011, 12:31:50 PM
Quote from: froggie on January 24, 2011, 12:01:54 PM
This PDF is about 5 years old.  Several groups (especially those along Popps Ferry Rd) are opposed to the magnitude of it.

I remember seeing this along with a map of the proposed interchange at I-10.  It was a monstrous thing; looked like a full stack placed entirely and directly above a half-cloverleaf.  I'm not sure I fault those folks for being opposed.  It looked excessive to me.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on January 24, 2011, 10:02:23 PM
You're thinking of a different interchange (http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/Studies/Southern/I310/pdf/CentralHarrisonConnector.pdf)...the aforementioned Gulfport Port Connector.  Officially MS 601, but occasionally labeled I-310.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on January 24, 2011, 10:27:08 PM
Quote from: US71 on January 24, 2011, 11:50:14 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on November 29, 2010, 11:33:16 PM
Found a video from WLBT-TV in Jackson that features the takedown of the Benjamin Humphreys bridge outside Greenville.

http://www.wlbt.com/global/category.asp?c=195965&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5277901&flvUri=&partnerclipid= (http://www.wlbt.com/global/category.asp?c=195965&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5277901&flvUri=&partnerclipid=)

Depressing   :thumbdown:  :-(  :-(  :-(  :-(

I liked that old bridge, too.  Thank goodness we didn't lose our old bridge in Vicksburg when the new one opened sometime around 1970.

It's a little less depressing, at least for me, when I consider that the old Greenville bridge was indeed a river navigation hazard.  At least things are a bit safer now for some of the folks who depend on that river for their livelihoods. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on January 25, 2011, 08:03:13 AM
QuoteThank goodness we didn't lose our old bridge in Vicksburg when the new one opened sometime around 1970.

Kinda hard to lose it when there's still an active railroad running across the bridge.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on January 25, 2011, 09:27:28 AM
Quote from: froggie on January 25, 2011, 08:03:13 AM
QuoteThank goodness we didn't lose our old bridge in Vicksburg when the new one opened sometime around 1970.

Kinda hard to lose it when there's still an active railroad running across the bridge.

Oh yeah, but we can thank the planners of the new bridge for that.  Or at least I guess we can; I was a small child when they built it and probably not even born during the early planning.  But if you're pointing out the fact that I was forgetting about the need for a railroad bridge, then you're right - I was.

A lot of folks were enraged when they closed the old bridge, fearing it would never reopen, which it hasn't.  But I remember at the time our local politicians were promising that as soon as the structural problems were corrected, they'd open it.  I think they were lying, because I believe there are federal regulations, which they should know about, preventing such an outdated structure from reopening once it's closed. 

People now want it reopened for pedestrians and bicycles, like the Chain of Rocks in St. Louis, but the railroad has fought that proposal vigorously.  That kinda angers me, because I love to ride my bike.  When I lived in Jackson I used to commute 20 miles each way to work by bike and absolutely loved doing it.  I tried to do it here, once, but these hills are just a bit too extreme.  It'd sure be nice to bike across that bridge and ride around the Louisiana flatlands once in a while.

I don't know if you're familiar with Vicksburg, but when I tried to scope a bike route for commuting to work, I realized that to get from the East Clay Street area, where I work, to the rest of Vicksburg, you have to go through the I-20 Clay Street interchange.  There is no other route from one part of town to the other without a lengthy detour.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on January 25, 2011, 10:16:15 AM
The KCS is looking at the guaranteed possibility of moronic jack-wagons walking on the railroad part, vandals, and (believe it or not) the possibility of a terrorist attack.  It's the only RR bridge over the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and Memphis, and they want to protect it.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on January 25, 2011, 10:44:22 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 25, 2011, 10:16:15 AM
The KCS is looking at the guaranteed possibility of moronic jack-wagons walking on the railroad part, vandals, and (believe it or not) the possibility of a terrorist attack.  It's the only RR bridge over the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and Memphis, and they want to protect it.

This is the standard argument vs the project, but it ignores the actual proposals.  Nothing I've read about calls for anything less than a thick, tightly-meshed fence between the road and rr track. 

And as far as a terrorist attack is concerned - please!  I hear that one all the time from people who watch too much teevee (not that that's you, my friend, but you are the one who brought it up.)

Look, any public facility associated with people and commerce is a potential terror target.  I refuse to live my life as though a bomb might explode at any moment.  If this is what KCS is worried about then screw 'em - let them build their own bridge. 

Build the park, I say!   
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on January 25, 2011, 05:49:49 PM
The sad part though...it's not from too much TV that I brought it up.  The Dept. of Homeland Security (for what it's worth...another topic for another place  :pan:) has been training all of us railroaders about such a threat.  That's where I got it from.  I really hate that that's the case, but it's now part of our crazy 3rd rock from the sun.  :thumbdown:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on January 25, 2011, 09:53:44 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 25, 2011, 05:49:49 PM
The sad part though...it's not from too much TV that I brought it up.  The Dept. of Homeland Security (for what it's worth...another topic for another place  :pan:) has been training all of us railroaders about such a threat.  That's where I got it from.  I really hate that that's the case, but it's now part of our crazy 3rd rock from the sun.  :thumbdown:

Oh, I have no problem with preparedness; that's DOHS's job, and it's great they're apparently doing it.  By all means be prepared, and have a plan in case something happens.  But I refuse to make any sort of lifestyle adjustments based on threat of an attack, unless of course there's reason to believe something is imminent.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on January 27, 2011, 12:18:02 PM
Quote from: berberry on January 24, 2011, 10:59:28 AM
Quote from: SSF on January 14, 2011, 05:19:25 PM
When I drove through MS on I-20 today, I saw some MDOT surveyors out in the median around Morton and 3 miles east of Morton.  Would they be widening it to 6 lanes out that far? it's a good 20 miles past the last bit of 6 lane widening they are working on now.

Likely, they're doing the same thing they've done in Vicksburg and on a few stretches along 20 toward Jackson.  They survey and mark locations in various ways, leave, then soon return and build buffer fences along each set of lanes.  I'd look for those fences near Morton within a month or so, based on what you've described.

I wonder if that's what they're clear-cutting the trees between Pearson Road & Airport Road for.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on January 27, 2011, 12:21:18 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on January 24, 2011, 11:48:58 AM
Quote from: froggie on January 21, 2011, 02:39:55 PM
As I understand it, clearing is underway for part of the port connector.

The I-10/110 interchange is currently in the environmental study phase.  MDOT's STIP includes ROW acquistion, but no construction, through 2013.

I've also heard that they're looking to fund a third interstate between I-10 and U.S. 90? Any truth to this?

A few years back, there was a proposal for an interstate to built from Gulfport to Jackson to parallel U.S. 49. This was before Katrina struck and given the state of the economy these days, I don't where that project stands.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on January 27, 2011, 12:55:03 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on January 27, 2011, 12:18:02 PM
I wonder if that's what they're clear-cutting the trees between Pearson Road & Airport Road for.

No, or at least it's not the main project.  They're widening to six lanes from Pearson to Crossgates.  MDOT has a press release on their website from (I think) about a month and a half ago.  Says the project should take two years, and I wonder if that means it'll be done in the same style as I-55 through Ridgeland - a quick job without upgrades to the shoulders, leaving them rather inadequate.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on January 27, 2011, 02:30:45 PM
QuoteA few years back, there was a proposal for an interstate to built from Gulfport to Jackson to parallel U.S. 49. This was before Katrina struck and given the state of the economy these days, I don't where that project stands.

MS 601/Gulfport Port Connector/"I-310" represents the southern, Gulfport-to-Wiggins part of this larger proposal.  The larger proposal is from the Vision 21 program (part legislation, part MDOT).  And it wasn't specifically for an Interstate per se...it was for an "Interstate-grade facility".
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 28, 2011, 03:02:22 AM
Quote from: berberry on January 27, 2011, 12:55:03 PM
...I wonder if that means it'll be done in the same style as I-55 through Ridgeland - a quick job without upgrades to the shoulders, leaving them rather inadequate.

Which leads to my next question. When is anything going to be done about that stretch of I-55? Also, how soon before they start reconstructing the I-55/I-220/County Line interchange?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on January 28, 2011, 09:51:51 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on January 28, 2011, 03:02:22 AM
Quote from: berberry on January 27, 2011, 12:55:03 PM
...I wonder if that means it'll be done in the same style as I-55 through Ridgeland - a quick job without upgrades to the shoulders, leaving them rather inadequate.

Which leads to my next question. When is anything going to be done about that stretch of I-55? Also, how soon before they start reconstructing the I-55/I-220/County Line interchange?

I have no idea, to both questions.  MDOT often promotes projects as though they're about to commence, then never says a word about problems and delays that crop up.  Local media simply report what MDOT tells them; they never go back later and ask questions.

Case in point is the widening of Vicksburg's stretch of I-20.  About a year ago, the Vicksburg Post ran a long article about how additional lanes were to be added and interchanges rebuilt or modified.  The article made it sound as though townsfolk should be preparing for lane closures, frontage-road detours, difficulties getting to I-20 businesses and all the rest.  

So far, nothing.  

For what it's worth, a new batch of project update press releases (http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/newsreleases/pressReleases.aspx) was posted this week at gomdot.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on January 30, 2011, 08:22:14 PM
Quote from: berberry on January 24, 2011, 10:59:28 AM
Quote from: SSF on January 14, 2011, 05:19:25 PM
When I drove through MS on I-20 today, I saw some MDOT surveyors out in the median around Morton and 3 miles east of Morton.  Would they be widening it to 6 lanes out that far? it's a good 20 miles past the last bit of 6 lane widening they are working on now.

Likely, they're doing the same thing they've done in Vicksburg and on a few stretches along 20 toward Jackson.  They survey and mark locations in various ways, leave, then soon return and build buffer fences along each set of lanes.  I'd look for those fences near Morton within a month or so, based on what you've described.

Update on the Scott County work from today's Clarion-Ledger (http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110130/NEWS/110130003/I-20+work+in+Scott+Co.+to+take+2+years):

FOREST, MISS. – The Department of Transportation plans a two-year reconstruction of about 18 miles of Interstate 20 in Scott County in central Mississippi, to begin this spring.

The $57.2 million project will include a periodic shutdown of the eastbound and westbound lanes and significant traffic disruption, said central district Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall.

The Scott County Times reports the construction zone will extend for 17.8 miles from Mississippi Highway 481 the Morton-Pulaski exit in Scott County to the Newton County line. Completion is scheduled for May 2013.

Hall said motorists will come across a variety of construction signs, cones, concrete barriers and state law mandated lower speed limits with double speeding fines for violations.

MDOT will remove all existing asphalt pavement and the old concrete from beneath the roadway between Mississippi Highway 481 and Highway 501, a distance of 10 miles, and replace with asphalt pavement.

The remainder of project between Highway 501 and the Newton County line, a distance of 7.8 miles, will be mill and overlay work. MDOT will prepare over the next few weeks to divert traffic to the eastbound lanes while the westbound lanes are closed and reconstructed. Median barriers will separate the two-way traffic.

In March 2012, traffic will moved to the newly reconstructed westbound lanes so work can be done on the eastbound lanes.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on January 30, 2011, 08:55:30 PM
In other words, Morton to Forest is a full pavement reconstruction, while Forest to Lake is a mill-and-overlay.  I was reading up on that earlier today.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on January 30, 2011, 09:13:15 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on January 30, 2011, 08:22:14 PM

MDOT will remove all existing asphalt pavement and the old concrete from beneath the roadway between Mississippi Highway 481 and Highway 501, a distance of 10 miles, and replace with asphalt pavement.

The remainder of project between Highway 501 and the Newton County line, a distance of 7.8 miles, will be mill and overlay work. MDOT will prepare over the next few weeks to divert traffic to the eastbound lanes while the westbound lanes are closed and reconstructed. Median barriers will separate the two-way traffic.

WHAT???  All of that work and money....for ASPHALT?!?!?!  :verymad: (in the words of a segment on ESPN)....C'MMMOOOOONNNNN MAAAAANNN!!!!!!!   :banghead:    :thumbdown:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on January 30, 2011, 10:51:01 PM
Here's a similar article from the Scott County Times (http://www.sctonline.net/articles/2011/01/26/news/local/news66.txt). Cost tag on this is over $57 million.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Marc on February 03, 2011, 12:58:59 AM
QuoteIn March 2012, traffic will moved to the newly reconstructed westbound lanes so work can be done on the eastbound lanes.

They're not in a hurry to get anything done down there, are they?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on February 03, 2011, 06:52:16 AM
They usually aren't.  IIRC, it took 2 years to do the pavement rehab on I-20/59 east of Meridian.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on February 06, 2011, 10:58:34 AM
I recently came across this approximate seven-month old article that discusses Mississippi 6 and Mississippi 9 (as well as Mississippi 15):

http://nems360.com/view/full_story/8048799/article-Plans-and-work-move-forward-for-Highways-6--9-and-15?

It indicates that paving on the last section of new Mississippi 6 between Tupelo and Pontotoc should begin in early 2012 (with anticipated completion in 2014).  I was just wondering if anyone has recently driven by the project & has any updates?

Also, the article mentions a 2011 legislative review that is necessary for the Mississippi 9 upgrade to proceed.  The article mentions that the section north of Sherman is controversial.  Does anyone know if any opposition has arisen to the Pontotoc to Sherman section?  Here's a link MDOT's alternatives for the Pontotoc to Sherman section:

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/Studies/Northern/SR9/pdf/Part1/SR%209%20Proposed%20Alternative.pdf
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on February 06, 2011, 11:11:53 AM
Looks like one project is on hold:
http://www.sunherald.com/2011/02/04/2836405/mdot-shelves-much-debated-mississippi.html
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on February 07, 2011, 02:17:06 PM
Bridge work underway for relocation of MS 463 in Madison (http://www.mcherald.com/article/D6/20110203/NEWS/102030313)

The hint of the bridge that will soar over downtown Madison is beginning to emerge.

The project of relocating Mississippi 463 to connect to U.S. 51 is scheduled for completion later this year. Currently running slightly behind schedule, the work to construct a four-lane road and lengthy bridge over the railroad tracks stands at about 26 percent complete, said Neil Patterson, project engineer for the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

"The contractor is working toward finishing in October," Patterson said.

A 1,284-foot bridge is the key component of the project that routes traffic north of the existing two-lane section of Mississippi 463, which is called Main Street through town. The new new section of Mississippi 463 connects with the four-lane boulevard section that runs east from I-55.

The new bridge will rise approximately 33 feet into the air to clear the train tracks. MDOT and city officials have said the height of the bridge will make it easily visible from all directions.

A retaining wall for the bridge is almost complete, and all the drilled shafts and footings have been complete on the bridge, Patterson said. Work has also commenced just east on U.S. 51 on Hoy Road. The MDOT project also includes extending the four lanes of the new road on Hoy Road to Old Canton Road, he said. Tanner Construction bid $27.4 million for the job, almost 15 percent below the state estimate.

The construction resulted in the city's closing off two roads to through traffic. Pecan Hill Drive just past the parking lot of Madison United Methodist Church is shut down and so is Hoy Road Extension just past the parking lot of First Baptist Church of Madison.

"It has limited our access some, but people have been very good about it," said Glenn Holder, business administrator for First Baptist. "Sometimes it takes some inconvenience to make progress."

The current stretch of Main Street will remain open once the new road opens. Madison plans to convert it into a pedestrian-friendly area filled with shops and restaurants. Cars will still be able to travel on Main Street through what will be considered the city's historic district.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Henry on February 08, 2011, 04:40:18 PM
And now, the Airport Parkway has a new number, I-755:

http://www.interstate-guide.com/i-755_ms.html
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on February 08, 2011, 06:58:07 PM
THEORETICAL NUMBER.  Not officially approved or even suggested by local officials.  A complicating factor in using such a number is that, as currently designed, there are no direct freeway-to-freeway ramps at the proposed I-55 interchange.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on February 11, 2011, 04:55:40 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on January 24, 2011, 11:48:58 AM
Quote from: froggie on January 21, 2011, 02:39:55 PM
As I understand it, clearing is underway for part of the port connector.

The I-10/110 interchange is currently in the environmental study phase.  MDOT's STIP includes ROW acquistion, but no construction, through 2013.

I've also heard that they're looking to fund a third interstate between I-10 and U.S. 90? Any truth to this?

That's the port connector. I believe it will be dubbed I-310.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on March 05, 2011, 11:17:21 AM
New long-term plan for Mississippi transportation:

http://www.multiplan2035.com/

God bless,

CKB
Title: MS SR 9 4-Lane Upgrade To Be Completed By End of 2012
Post by: Grzrd on March 14, 2011, 09:03:02 PM
MDOT is in the process of using design-build for the 4-lane upgrade of SR 9 from SR 6 in Pontotoc to US 78 (Future I-22) in Sherman (a significant portion of it will be new terrain). The presence of the Toyota plant is apparently giving them a sense of urgency. The project is to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012:

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/DesignBuild/pdf/SR9/Notice%20of%20Intent%20-%20State%20Route%209.pdf

Here is a link to the Environmental Assessment - Finding of No Significant Impact:

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/DesignBuild/pdf/SR9/10_12_09_APPROVED_FONSI.pdf
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on March 15, 2011, 03:34:14 PM
Grzrd noted in the I-269 thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3774.msg94064#msg94064) that MDOT plans on letting the northernmost segment between MS 302 and the Tennessee line next week.

Looking through the other lettings for next week, there are 2 other projects of note.  One is grading and draining of 2 additional lanes on MS 15 from a couple miles north of New Albany north to the Union/Tippah County line.  The other is for a new diamond interchange on MS 475 at Old Brandon Rd near the Jackson Airport.  This latter one will eliminate the double-turn that MS 475 through traffic must partake (of which one turn is through the roundabout at Airport Rd/Old Brandon Rd), and will also include a direct ramp from northbound MS 475 to the aforementioned roundabout for airport-bound traffic.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Ace10 on March 19, 2011, 10:33:09 PM
Mississippi calls its highways State Routes? Wow, that's news to me. I thought they were just Mississippi State Highways.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on March 19, 2011, 10:46:30 PM
Depends on who you talk to. MDOT often refers to them as highways.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on March 20, 2011, 12:07:46 AM
I hear the term "state route" every so often, but otherwise, we use "Highway (insert number)" or "MS (insert number)".
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on March 20, 2011, 12:26:45 AM
I've mostly heard "Highway", but used "SR 9" in above post because that is how MDOT referred to it in the both the Notice of Intent & FONSI. I thought I had been mistaken about "Highway" ...
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on March 20, 2011, 08:30:05 PM
http://www.multiplan2035.com/PDF/TM%2017%20MS%20CORRIDORS%20OF%20STATEWIDE%20SIGNIFICANCE.pdf

So I-20 is going to be six-laned to Vicksburg, I-55 south to Crystal Springs and some other north MS I-55 widenings, but I-10 (arguably the most dangerous interstate in MS with the most truck traffic) has no plans for further widening?  Are you kidding me?  It's in desperate need of six-laning to the Alabama line and probably to Louisiana as well.  In fact, Alabama just broke ground on 4 miles of widening further west to mile marker 14. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on March 21, 2011, 03:42:37 PM
I don't mind a six-laned I-20 from Jackson to Vicksburg, but I wouldn't justify it right now over other projects. The traffic isn't heavy enough for me to warrant it.

I did see where US 49 is targeted to changed into a limited-access highway from Jackson to the coast. My mom said years ago that MDOT should do this. I don't see this happening anytime soon, but I'd like to see that happen.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on March 21, 2011, 06:16:19 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on March 20, 2011, 08:30:05 PM
I-10 (arguably the most dangerous interstate in MS with the most truck traffic) has no plans for further widening?  Are you kidding me?  It's in desperate need of six-laning to the Alabama line and probably to Louisiana as well.  In fact, Alabama just broke ground on 4 miles of widening further west to mile marker 14. 

I've long felt that I-10/I-12 should be at least six lanes from Houston to Pensacola
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on March 22, 2011, 10:10:41 AM
A 6-lane I-10 would be a nice-to-have, but within Misssissippi, even with the truck traffic, you'd be hard-pressed to justify it outside of Harrison County.

Speaking of I-10 and lamsalfl's comment, this isn't represented in MultiPlan2035, but the local MPO is recommending 6-laning I-10 from MS 609 (Exit 50, near where the current project wraps up) east to Gautier-Vancleve Rd (Exit 61).  They are also, long-term, proposing HOV lanes between Canal Rd (Exit 31) and MS 609.

In the past, the MPO had proposed widening to the west of Gulfport...between Diamondhead (Exit 16) and the Long Beach interchange (Exit 28...west end of the 6-lane). Not sure why it's not on the current proposal.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: ttownfeen on March 28, 2011, 06:11:42 PM
What is going on 20/59 east of Meridian?  It looks like a whole new highway is being constructed.  I passed through last week going to Houston and back and have been trying to find information on the project to no avail.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on March 28, 2011, 07:25:12 PM
There is a new interchange going in between US 45 and MS 19 south to serve an industrial park. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on March 31, 2011, 03:06:23 AM
Is there any particular reason why the 8 lane section of I-55 from Memphis ends abruptly at the 2nd exit into MS? Any plans to extend it?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on March 31, 2011, 07:59:45 AM
That's what got funded during the last go-around.  As I understand it, the long-term plan is to extend 8 lanes down to I-69, and 6 lanes to Hernando.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on March 31, 2011, 02:07:54 PM
Thanks. Do you know traffic counts from Hernando and Southaven warrant that many lanes or if it's in anticipation of I-69's completion. Southaven actually has nicer freeways than the Jackson area IMO. That's funny to me for some reason.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on April 01, 2011, 09:08:45 AM
It's gotta be in anticipation of both I-69 and future growth.  Existing traffic counts only barely justify 6 lanes, let alone 8...
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 01, 2011, 05:30:27 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on March 31, 2011, 02:07:54 PM
Thanks. Do you know traffic counts from Hernando and Southaven warrant that many lanes or if it's in anticipation of I-69's completion. Southaven actually has nicer freeways than the Jackson area IMO. That's funny to me for some reason.

I love the concrete portion.

Given Desoto's high-growth rate (160K people with no signs of slowing down anytime soon) and the amount of traffic from points south heading to Memphis, I can justify it. Desoto's growth will eventually spillover down into its southern neighbor, Tate County, but not at the robust pace Desoto has experienced.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on April 02, 2011, 03:03:22 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on March 14, 2011, 09:03:02 PM
MDOT is in the process of using design-build for the 4-lane upgrade of SR 9 from SR 6 in Pontotoc to US 78 (Future I-22) in Sherman (a significant portion of it will be new terrain). The presence of the Toyota plant is apparently giving them a sense of urgency. The project is to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012
Quote from: Grzrd on February 06, 2011, 10:58:34 AM
the article mentions a 2011 legislative review that is necessary for the Mississippi 9 upgrade to proceed.  The article mentions that the section north of Sherman is controversial.
Last Sunday, Mississippi legislature approved a measure that sets aside approximately $40 million for 4-laning MS 9 north of Future I-22 (the design-build project mentioned above is south of Future I-22).  It still seems to be controversial:

http://www.nems360.com/view/full_story/12525075/article--422-9M-bond-bill-ap%20proved?instance=home_news_1st_left

"...The bond proposal contains $50 million to improve highways for economic development with $40 million of that total presumably to four-lane state Highway 9 near the Toyota plant at Blue Springs to state Highway 348 north of the plant.

In the House, some argued the four-laning was not needed, but was "a pet project"  of Gov. Haley Barbour. Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, said the 18-wheelers going from the Toyota plant north already could travel four-lane highway on U.S. 78 and 45 and the distance would not be much farther.

Holland said the four-laning was destroying "some of the most pristine country in Northeast Mississippi"  and was not being requested by Toyota officials. Holland said other highways in Northeast Mississippi, such as U.S. Highway 15, needed four-laning more than Highway 9 did.

In a statement Sunday night, Barbour said, "Unless Mississippians want suppliers to avoid the areas north of Tupelo and locate somewhere around Memphis or Columbus — or even worse, have existing suppliers in Kentucky or Illinois ship parts to Blue Springs — then we must improve the roads for when Toyota begins full production."

The $1.3 billion Toyota plant is scheduled to open later this year and employ at least 1,500. At full production sometime next year, employment is expected to reach 2,000. Suppliers to the plant will hire about 2,000 workers, too.

The state provided about $300 million in bonds in 2007 to lure the automaker to Northeast Mississippi.

Last year the Legislature approved $90 million to four-lane state Highway 9 south of the plant. The effort to four-lane Highway 9 north of the plant has been more controversial..."
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Bryant5493 on April 06, 2011, 02:42:55 PM



Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 07, 2011, 12:41:53 AM
^^

Neat! About that Confederate flag though...
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Bryant5493 on April 07, 2011, 10:43:57 AM
^^

Thanks.

The only reason I included the Mississippi flag is because I included my Southern Roadgeek logo and the state flag. I'm not a fan of the flag, but the flag is what it is.


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Ace10 on April 08, 2011, 07:32:07 PM
Quote from: Bryant5493 on April 07, 2011, 10:43:57 AM
^^

Thanks.

The only reason I included the Mississippi flag is because I included my Southern Roadgeek logo and the state flag. I'm not a fan of the flag, but the flag is what it is.


Be well,

Bryant

Nice video, Bryant - loved it! Took me back home, because for the past couple years when I head back home to Biloxi, I get off I-10 to MS-57 and take Ocean Springs Rd west to US-90.

And yeah, the flag at the end is the Mississippi State Flag, though at the top-left there is a squarish version of the Confederate flag. Plus, the Confederate flag itself is a big misunderstood symbol. I did a little research on it and some people's reactions and conceptions are a little mistaken.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: SSF on April 08, 2011, 09:50:05 PM
On 20/59 just after the WB weigh station at the MS/AL state line, it looked like a contractor was working on cable median on the EB side of the interstate.  is that the case?  Looked like they were moving pretty fast also.  Had there been any major crossover accidents that I was unaware of?  I travel that stretch pretty frequently and dont remember seeing much, if any, median damage except after the ice storms.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alps on April 13, 2011, 09:54:28 AM
Flag discussion has been moved to Off-Topic (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?board=9).

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4434.0 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4434.0)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 30, 2011, 06:29:35 PM
MDOT to close MS 465 in Warren, Issaquena due to MS River flooding (http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/NewsReleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=429201133542)

The press release says Monday, but local news accounts say it could happen as early as tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on May 03, 2011, 07:26:25 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on April 30, 2011, 06:29:35 PM
MDOT to close MS 465 in Warren, Issaquena due to MS River flooding (http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/NewsReleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=429201133542)

The press release says Monday, but local news accounts say it could happen as early as tomorrow morning.

Yeah, that's the Eagle Lake highway.  It closed during the last flood a few years ago, which means this flood is just getting started here.  Looks like it's gonna get a lot worse than this.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 03, 2011, 11:42:03 PM
How far into Vicksburg will the water get? Since it is rather hilly, I hope most of the city will be spared.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on May 04, 2011, 05:53:39 PM
A good chuck of Vicksburg is on very high ground. Those near the Yazoo River will have problems because the Yazoo's flow will likely back up due to the Mississippi's high water level.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on May 09, 2011, 08:35:18 PM
MDOT issued Project Updates for projects in Districts 1,2,3,5 and 7 (but I do not see District 6) on May 6:

District 1: http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/newsreleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=56201120204

District 2: http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/newsreleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=56201121420

District 3: http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/newsreleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=56201121801

District 5: http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/newsreleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=56201122135

District 7: http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/newsreleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=56201122744
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 31, 2011, 10:35:42 PM
Thanks for those updates. I was going to post about the rework that MDOT will do for I-55 through southern Hinds County, but one of the updates already said so.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on June 01, 2011, 10:22:04 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on May 31, 2011, 10:35:42 PM
Thanks for those updates. I was going to post about the rework that MDOT will do for I-55 through southern Hinds County, but one of the updates already said so.

One interesting thing about it is the claim that two lanes of traffic in each direction will be maintained during the project by using shoulders.  Good thing I guess, but I suspect those are gonna be some narrow lanes.

The press release doesn't say anything about the interchanges on that stretch of 55, but surely some of them - like Savannah Street - will require reconstruction. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on June 03, 2011, 09:32:18 AM
I agree, for all of those overpasses are the original bridges and I can't see how six lanes can fit under them.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on June 08, 2011, 09:57:18 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on March 14, 2011, 09:03:02 PM
MDOT is in the process of using design-build for the 4-lane upgrade of SR 9 from SR 6 in Pontotoc to US 78 (Future I-22) in Sherman (a significant portion of it will be new terrain). The presence of the Toyota plant is apparently giving them a sense of urgency. The project is to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012:
http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/DesignBuild/pdf/SR9/Notice%20of%20Intent%20-%20State%20Route%209.pdf
Here is a link to the Environmental Assessment - Finding of No Significant Impact:
http://www.gomdot.com/Home/Projects/DesignBuild/pdf/SR9/10_12_09_APPROVED_FONSI.pdf
Work on MS 9 from Pontotoc to Sherman is scheduled to begin in July:

http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/newsreleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=5232011103900
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 30, 2011, 11:51:20 PM
MDOT to start MS 475 connection to US 80:

http://www.my601.com/news/local/story/MDOT-to-start-work-on-Rankin-bypass/0DXivtQZF0C0lQE7_S_3Bg.cspx
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on July 01, 2011, 08:56:17 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on June 30, 2011, 11:51:20 PM
MDOT to start MS 475 connection to US 80:

http://www.my601.com/news/local/story/MDOT-to-start-work-on-Rankin-bypass/0DXivtQZF0C0lQE7_S_3Bg.cspx

Is it related to the once proposed, Airport Parkway? Here a map including the MS-475 improvements http://www.theairportparkway.com/images/projectmaplarge.jpg
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on July 07, 2011, 02:09:15 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 01, 2011, 08:56:17 AMIs it related to the once proposed, Airport Parkway?

I think the interchange and mini-bypass will eventually constitute the southern end of the parkway.  The map you posted certainly seems to suggest as much.  Traffic will obviously be able to continue to I-20 and beyond, but I think it's gonna be just open, toll-free highway south of that interchange, mostly using the roadway that now exists south of the roundabout.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: msubulldog on August 19, 2011, 02:46:51 PM
1) Any reason for many new interstate shields I have seen installed over the last 3 years including the state name?
2) Any reason for the control city on I-55 between Jackson and Grenada being "upgraded" from Grenada to Memphis?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on August 20, 2011, 05:14:38 PM
^^

I've always been of the opinion that Grenada and McComb should not be control cities for I-55 and that Memphis and New Orleans should be the only cities signed on I-55. Louisiana signs Jackson (and not McComb) for I-55 north of Hammond and Tennessee does the same for I-55 going through Memphis and not signing Grenada.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on August 21, 2011, 12:52:21 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on August 20, 2011, 05:14:38 PM
^^

I've always been of the opinion that Grenada and McComb should not be control cities for I-55 and that Memphis and New Orleans should be the only cities signed on I-55. Louisiana signs Jackson (and not McComb) for I-55 north of Hammond and Tennessee does the same for I-55 going through Memphis and not signing Grenada.
I'll second that opinion.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 21, 2011, 04:10:30 PM
They've changed the control cities in MS?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on August 21, 2011, 05:45:45 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on August 21, 2011, 04:10:30 PM
They've changed the control cities in MS?
I think the last several posts were more of a wishlist than an actual directive from MDOT.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on August 21, 2011, 08:33:50 PM
Quote from: berberry on July 07, 2011, 02:09:15 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 01, 2011, 08:56:17 AMIs it related to the once proposed, Airport Parkway?

I think the interchange and mini-bypass will eventually constitute the southern end of the parkway.  The map you posted certainly seems to suggest as much.  Traffic will obviously be able to continue to I-20 and beyond, but I think it's gonna be just open, toll-free highway south of that interchange, mostly using the roadway that now exists south of the roundabout.

I was out at Dogwood Festival Market today and I saw some road construction just south of the mall. I thought it might be the north segment of the Airport Parkway, but from looking at the map Stephane provided the link to, I believe this is part of the East Metro Parkway that will extend down to Brandon.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on August 27, 2011, 03:20:30 PM
I spotted on MS-25 this overpass who's only used for MS-25 northeastbound traffic, is it a planned overpass for the airport parkway connector or a former railroad overpass? http://maps.google.ca/maps?ll=32.339696,-90.076936&spn=0.007007,0.013733&sll=32.298757,-90.18481&sspn=0.150968,0.256119&gl=ca&vpsrc=0&z=17&layer=c&cbll=32.339114,-90.076235&panoid=9SfYgEsm-a7g6hPgOHvbUg&cbp=12,222.85,,0,0.56
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on August 27, 2011, 09:22:04 PM
Former railroad grade.  Rail line was abandoned years ago, but not before the now-northbound lanes of Lakeland Dr (MS 25) were built.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on September 21, 2011, 03:46:13 PM
Emergency road work to stabilize unsafe stretches of I-55 from McDowell Street in Jackson to Byram begins tonight with a closure of the left lane on I-55 South from Savannah Street to Byram.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110921/NEWS/110921020/Emergency-work-55-South-begin-tonight?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home (http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110921/NEWS/110921020/Emergency-work-55-South-begin-tonight?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CHome)

I thought MDOT was to start widening this stretch of 55 from four to six lanes.  :hmmm: :-/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on October 14, 2011, 01:03:10 PM
MDOT has installed new guide signs across the Jackson area. A glaring mistake: The signs for exits to US 51/State Street off I-55 and I-20 have omitted the US 51 shield...and there still aren't any US 51 shields on I-55 from Pearl/Pascagoula Streets to County Line Road, on Pascagoula and Pearl Streets and on State Street from US 80 to Pearl/Pascagoula streets.  :pan:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 16, 2011, 10:17:51 AM
I see that they've added "New Orleans" and "Memphis" to all of the signs that used to mention only smaller towns.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on October 23, 2011, 08:47:14 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on June 08, 2011, 09:57:18 AM
Work on MS 9 from Pontotoc to Sherman is scheduled to begin in July:
I ran across this article from August discussing the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Pontotc to Sherman section of MS 9:
http://nems360.com/view/full_story/15050580/article-Highway-9--Essential-for-Toyota
It is anticipated to have the fastest completion of any significant highway in Mississippi history and should provide some good roadgeeking opportunities during the next year to observe the anticipated rapid progress.

This article from July indicates that construction on the 12+ mile section began on July 5 and should be completed by September 17, 2012:
http://www.pontotoc360.com/view/full_story/14794262/article-Hwy--9-set-to-finish-September-2012?instance=home_news_right
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: NE2 on October 23, 2011, 09:24:19 PM
Seems like MS 9 would be a better route for through Corridor V traffic than the under-construction MS 76.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on October 24, 2011, 08:13:35 AM
Quote from: NE2 on October 23, 2011, 09:24:19 PM
Seems like MS 9 would be a better route for through Corridor V traffic than the under-construction MS 76.

Especially since MS 76 (or US 278 if it is ever signed as such) will need a bypass of Tupelo, and even with that bypass it would require drivers to jaunt down US 45 to access MS 76 from US 78 (unless a direct connection between MS 76 and US 78 is planned)...
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: NE2 on October 24, 2011, 08:39:10 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on October 24, 2011, 08:13:35 AM
Quote from: NE2 on October 23, 2011, 09:24:19 PM
Seems like MS 9 would be a better route for through Corridor V traffic than the under-construction MS 76.

Especially since MS 76 (or US 278 if it is ever signed as such) will need a bypass of Tupelo, and even with that bypass it would require drivers to jaunt down US 45 to access MS 76 from US 78 (unless a direct connection between MS 76 and US 78 is planned)...
That bypass is under construction:
http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=34.2203&lon=-88.777&zoom=13&layers=M http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=34.2203~-88.777&lvl=13&sty=h
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on October 24, 2011, 08:45:27 AM
Quote from: NE2 on October 24, 2011, 08:39:10 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on October 24, 2011, 08:13:35 AM
Quote from: NE2 on October 23, 2011, 09:24:19 PM
Seems like MS 9 would be a better route for through Corridor V traffic than the under-construction MS 76.

Especially since MS 76 (or US 278 if it is ever signed as such) will need a bypass of Tupelo, and even with that bypass it would require drivers to jaunt down US 45 to access MS 76 from US 78 (unless a direct connection between MS 76 and US 78 is planned)...
That bypass is under construction:
http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=34.2203&lon=-88.777&zoom=13&layers=M http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=34.2203~-88.777&lvl=13&sty=h

Interesting...it looks like the part between the Natchez Trace Pkwy and MS 145 is being built as a freeway. I wonder if this will include a freeway/freeway interchange at US 45?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: NE2 on October 24, 2011, 09:16:07 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on October 24, 2011, 08:45:27 AM
Interesting...it looks like the part between the Natchez Trace Pkwy and MS 145 is being built as a freeway. I wonder if this will include a freeway/freeway interchange at US 45?
Not as part of the current construction (MS 145 to US 45 uses an existing four-lane road).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on October 24, 2011, 10:53:51 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on October 24, 2011, 08:13:35 AM
(unless a direct connection between MS 76 and US 78 is planned)...
Quote from: NE2 on October 24, 2011, 08:39:10 AM
http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=34.2203&lon=-88.777&zoom=13&layers=M http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=34.2203~-88.777&lvl=13&sty=h
The legislation for High Priority Corridor 42 sections A & B speaks of an interchange between HPC 42 (for practical purposes at this interchange ARC Corridor V) and US 78 (Future I-22) near Fulton MS:
https://www.aaroads.com/high-priority/table.html

Also, elsewhere on this website, the discussion regarding Corridor V, circa 2005 (https://www.aaroads.com/high-priority/corr11.html), mentions plans for Corridor V to be extended from Tupelo eastward to Plantersville.  Looking at the Bing aerial that NE2 provided in his post, I'm guessing that the anticipated future alignment for HPC 42 will be something along the lines of Tupelo to Plantersville, continue south of Tombigbee State Park to near Abney, and then proceed somewhat northeasterly to the US78/MS 25N interchange east of Fulton.

Also, IIRC MDOT used MS 76 as a temporary designation for the bypass north of Pontotoc until it was completed.  I suspect that once the new terrain construction in Tupelo is completed and open to traffic, it will be signed as MS 6 (although MDOT may wait until there is a connection with "old" MS 6 in Plantersville).

If anyone has a link to a good map of the planned alignment from Tupelo to Fulton, I would be very interested in seeing it!
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: NE2 on October 24, 2011, 12:14:45 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on October 24, 2011, 10:53:51 AM
The legislation for High Priority Corridor 42 sections A & B speaks of an interchange between HPC 42 (for practical purposes at this interchange ARC Corridor V) and US 78 (Future I-22) near Fulton MS:
https://www.aaroads.com/high-priority/table.html
Quote from: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/nhs/hipricorridors/hpcor.html
The portion of Corridor V of the Appalachian development highway system from Interstate Route 55 near Batesville, Mississippi, to the intersection with Corridor X of the Appalachian development highway system near Fulton, Mississippi.
Since Corridor X begins at Fulton, this just means it follows MS 76-US 45-US 78-MS 25. See the map at the end of http://www.arc.gov/images/programs/transp/adhs_status_report_2010/ADHS2010StatusReportMississippi.pdf.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on October 24, 2011, 03:14:03 PM
Quote from: NE2 on October 24, 2011, 12:14:45 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on October 24, 2011, 10:53:51 AM
The legislation for High Priority Corridor 42 sections A & B speaks of an interchange between HPC 42 (for practical purposes at this interchange ARC Corridor V) and US 78 (Future I-22) near Fulton MS:
https://www.aaroads.com/high-priority/table.html
Quote from: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/nhs/hipricorridors/hpcor.html
The portion of Corridor V of the Appalachian development highway system from Interstate Route 55 near Batesville, Mississippi, to the intersection with Corridor X of the Appalachian development highway system near Fulton, Mississippi.
Since Corridor X begins at Fulton, this just means it follows MS 76-US 45-US 78-MS 25. See the map at the end of http://www.arc.gov/images/programs/transp/adhs_status_report_2010/ADHS2010StatusReportMississippi.pdf.
Thanks.  Great catch.  

It looks like MS 76 (future MS 6?) diverges from Corridor V at US 45 and I made the mistake of thinking of Corridor V and MS 6 as being one and the same to Plantersville....  :banghead:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on November 11, 2011, 10:59:36 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on October 23, 2011, 08:47:14 PM
I ran across this article from August discussing the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Pontotc to Sherman section of MS 9:
http://nems360.com/view/full_story/15050580/article-Highway-9--Essential-for-Toyota
It is anticipated to have the fastest completion of any significant highway in Mississippi history and should provide some good roadgeeking opportunities during the next year to observe the anticipated rapid progress.
This article from July indicates that construction on the 12+ mile section began on July 5 and should be completed by September 17, 2012:
http://www.pontotoc360.com/view/full_story/14794262/article-Hwy--9-set-to-finish-September-2012?instance=home_news_right
As of mid-September, the MS 9 project was approximately 44% complete and approximately 100 days ahead of schedule (an October 27, 2011 article):
http://nems360.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Highway+9+well+ahead+of+schedule%20&id=16188586

"Construction of the new Mississippi Highway 9 from Sherman to Pontotoc continues at what Department of Transportation officials describe as a record-setting pace, with completion possible well before the contract date in December 2012.
The work by Eutaw Construction started July 5 on the 12-plus-mile four-lane, limited-access artery. DOT District Engineer Bill Jamieson said this week the work was 44 percent complete in mid-September - 16.7 percent of the contract time - and about 100 days ahead of schedule, aided by unusually good construction weather.
The four-lane artery will link Mississippi Highway 6 near Pontotoc with U.S. 78 and Magnolia Way, which provides direct access to the Toyota assembly plant at Blue Springs. The project was bid at $87.5 million, and a $90 million state bond issue was approved in 2010 to fund the construction at an accelerated rate.
Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert said in an interview this week the design-and-build method allows work to flow smoothly in a continuous cycle, not waiting for the completion of separate phases before the next stage of work starts.
Tagert said the pace of Highway 9 work is an endorsement of the design-and-build method, which he hopes can be used on additional projects.
Jamieson said Eutaw, headquartered in Aberdeen, is under an incentive contract that will pay them $50,000 per day in extra compensation for each day completion is ahead of schedule, up to 100 days and $5 million.
Progress on the new route is apparent to motorists on existing Highway 9 and the county roads crossing construction zones.
Jamieson also said inclement winter weather could slow the pace of work, but he does not expect it to delay an earlier-than-expected finish."

Get your construction roadgeeking in while you can!
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on November 14, 2011, 09:08:46 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on October 14, 2011, 01:03:10 PM
MDOT has installed new guide signs across the Jackson area. A glaring mistake: The signs for exits to US 51/State Street off I-55 and I-20 have omitted the US 51 shield...and there still aren't any US 51 shields on I-55 from Pearl/Pascagoula Streets to County Line Road, on Pascagoula and Pearl Streets and on State Street from US 80 to Pearl/Pascagoula streets.  :pan:

I've asked MDOT about that in the past.  MDOT's position is that US 51 no longer goes through downtown Jackson because they gave maintenance of the street back to the city in 1974.  The only mistakes are that (1) MDOT never requested that US 51 be officially relocated to I-55 and (2) it only took 37 years to take the US 51 signs off of the State Street exit.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on November 18, 2011, 01:20:50 AM
So 51 now follows I-55 through Jackson to the County Line Road exit?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on November 18, 2011, 09:39:44 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on November 18, 2011, 01:20:50 AM
So 51 now follows I-55 through Jackson to the County Line Road exit?

Yes. I can't find the photo, but there is signage (though not great signage) where 51 joins 55 north of town.

It's been 3 years since I've been 51. I need to make another trip
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on November 18, 2011, 09:55:38 AM
Quote from: US71 on November 18, 2011, 09:39:44 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on November 18, 2011, 01:20:50 AM
So 51 now follows I-55 through Jackson to the County Line Road exit?

Yes. I can't find the photo, but there is signage (though not great signage) where 51 joins 55 north of town.

It's been 3 years since I've been 51. I need to make another trip

But the signage "disappears". The overhead gantries for State Street from I-20/55 has US 51 on it, but there is no signage on State Street. In fact, there is no signage until you emerge from under the I-55 overpass in Ridgeland.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on November 18, 2011, 10:24:38 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on November 18, 2011, 09:55:38 AM

But the signage "disappears". The overhead gantries for State Street from I-20/55 has US 51 on it, but there is no signage on State Street. In fact, there is no signage until you emerge from under the I-55 overpass in Ridgeland.

Yes, that's true. There is signage showing 51 joining 55 but if you blink, you miss it. How long has 49 been rerouted down 220-55-20? I don't think its junction is well marked either. I think US 80 is the only US Route that hasn't been stuck on an Interstate...at least in the Jackson area.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 18, 2011, 12:35:04 PM
I think that US 49 is marked pretty well. It's on most if not all BGSs between the interchange with I-220 all the way around to the I-20/I-55 split.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 18, 2011, 02:03:58 PM
US 49's fairly well marked on overhead guide signs.  Probably because it's had that routing for over 20 years (ca. 1987) and is also a major route on both sides of Jackson.

US 51 is weird.  On MDOT's state-designated/state-maintained map, updated as of July, they still show the short freeway spur up to State St as US 51.  I had also asked some years ago about US 51 and got a complete run-around from the same individual.  My conclusion based on that mess is that MDOT considers BOTH the freeway spur up to State St *AND* the I-55 routing as part of US 51.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on November 18, 2011, 10:40:23 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 18, 2011, 10:24:38 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on November 18, 2011, 09:55:38 AM

But the signage "disappears". The overhead gantries for State Street from I-20/55 has US 51 on it, but there is no signage on State Street. In fact, there is no signage until you emerge from under the I-55 overpass in Ridgeland.

Yes, that's true. There is signage showing 51 joining 55 but if you blink, you miss it. How long has 49 been rerouted down 220-55-20? I don't think its junction is well marked either. I think US 80 is the only US Route that hasn't been stuck on an Interstate...at least in the Jackson area.

To be technical, 80 is multiplexed with I-20 through the western half of Clinton. Once it separates, 80 has it all to itself until Meridian. There is a significant amount of traffic that travels on 80 through Jackson and especially through Pearl and Brandon, so my guess is that decommissioning  and multiplexing it with I-20 wasn't necessary. If my guess is wrong, then I'll stand corrected.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on November 18, 2011, 10:55:16 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on November 18, 2011, 10:40:23 PM

To be technical, 80 is multiplexed with I-20 through the western half of Clinton. Once it separates, 80 has it all to itself until Meridian. There is a significant amount of traffic that travels on 80 through Jackson and especially through Pearl and Brandon, so my guess is that decommissioning  and multiplexing it with I-20 wasn't necessary. If my guess is wrong, then I'll stand corrected.

I know about Clinton, which is why I said "Jackson area" ;)

Now old 80 west of Clinton has some interesting bridges  :nod:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on November 21, 2011, 04:21:44 PM
I remember when US 49 went down Delta Drive (now Medgar Evers Boulevard) and turned east onto Woodrow Wilson by the old Jackson Mall.  I'm not sure if it then went south on State Street (old US 51) on stayed on WW until it interchange with I-55.  I think WW from State to I-55 was built after World War II.  At one time, US 51 used it from I-55 to State before going south.  God bless.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 21, 2011, 05:30:31 PM
Woodrow Wilson east of State was built in the late '50s along with I-55 through North Jackson...the southern end of the I-55 construction was at the Woodrow Wilson interchange for many years.  US 49 turned south on State St with US 51 until ca. 1970 when I-55 around downtown Jackson and through "the Stack" (the eastern I-20/I-55/US 49 interchange) was completed.  This is the same year US 49 moved off its duplex with US 80 and onto its new (now-current) alignment between I-20 and Richland.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on November 21, 2011, 05:32:14 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on November 21, 2011, 04:21:44 PM
I remember when US 49 went down Delta Drive (now Medgar Evers Boulevard) and turned east onto Woodrow Wilson by the old Jackson Mall.  I'm not sure if it then went south on State Street (old US 51) on stayed on WW until it interchange with I-55.  I think WW from State to I-55 was built after World War II.  At one time, US 51 used it from I-55 to State before going south.  God bless.

At one time, 49 went south on State to Silas Brown/Old Brandon Road (origininal US 80, i think) across the river, than south. I'm not sure what year that was changed.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 21, 2011, 05:40:57 PM
Ca. 1938.  That's the year NBI lists as when the US 80 bridge over the Pearl River was built.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 21, 2011, 06:14:19 PM
Is there a specific reason that the interchange with I-55 at Woodrow Wilson is so large instead of being a normal trumpet, diamond, etc?  That exit as well as the western I-20/I-55 interchange and the exity immediately east of it have always made me scratch my had.  They seem so out of place, antiquated, and hard to replace.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 21, 2011, 06:19:23 PM
At the time, and for several years afterwards, Woodrow Wilson was carrying US 49 through traffic.  I-220 wasn't built until ca. 1987.
Title: Dec. 15 Ribbon Cutting To Complete MS 1987 Four-Lane Program
Post by: Grzrd on November 28, 2011, 08:45:48 PM
On Dec. 15, ten miles of US 84 will tie into the "El Camino Corridor" and complete the 1987 Four-Lane Program:
http://www.gomdot.com/Home/MediaRoom/NewsReleases/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=11282011100804
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on December 02, 2011, 07:33:09 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on November 18, 2011, 09:55:38 AM
Quote from: US71 on November 18, 2011, 09:39:44 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on November 18, 2011, 01:20:50 AM
So 51 now follows I-55 through Jackson to the County Line Road exit?

Yes. I can't find the photo, but there is signage (though not great signage) where 51 joins 55 north of town.

It's been 3 years since I've been 51. I need to make another trip

But the signage "disappears". The overhead gantries for State Street from I-20/55 has US 51 on it, but there is no signage on State Street. In fact, there is no signage until you emerge from under the I-55 overpass in Ridgeland.

As part of the re-signage project, all of the US 51 signs on the State Street exits on I-20 and I-55 were removed. Unfortunately, the one US 51 sign that was correct (http://www.gribblenation.com/mspics/gallery/i20w-exit44-43-patriarca.jpg) was also removed. Exit 44 also lost its exit number in the process.

The one sign that shows US 51 Southbound joining I-55 Southbound can be viewed from Google Streetview. (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=google+maps+county+line+rd+jackson+ms&ll=32.398303,-90.145837&spn=0.000009,0.005659&oe=UTF-8&hnear=County+Line+Rd,+Jackson,+Mississippi&gl=us&t=h&z=18&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=32.398344,-90.146192&panoid=9zoMwllrnRslIwhzhnjj8g&cbp=12,173.23,,0,0.3)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on December 02, 2011, 08:33:29 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on November 18, 2011, 10:40:23 PM
To be technical, 80 is multiplexed with I-20 through the western half of Clinton. Once it separates, 80 has it all to itself until Meridian. There is a significant amount of traffic that travels on 80 through Jackson and especially through Pearl and Brandon, so my guess is that decommissioning  and multiplexing it with I-20 wasn't necessary. If my guess is wrong, then I'll stand corrected.

I've had to so some research on all of this as part of my work duties.  Here is what I've found:

I-20 from Clinton (Exit 35) to Bovina (Exit 11) was originally built as the "new" US 80 in the 1950's.  The posted overpasses at Bovina (Exit 11) and Edwards (Exit 19) are a part of the road's pre-interstate era.  MDOT turned the old US 80 over to Hinds County and Warren County.  Later on, those sections of new US 80 were widen/rebuilt to interstate standards to carry I-20.  I-20 east of Exit 35 was built on a new alignment as a purpose-built interstate highway. The same is true for US 80/I-20 from Clay St (Exit 4 A-B) to Washington St (Exit 1A). Old US 80 from Exit 4 to west of Exit 11 is still on the legislative designated state highway system as MS 822.  MDOT recently added MS 822 trailblazers next to the incorrect US 80 trailblazers on this section.

I-55 from near the Hinds/Copiah County Line to I-20 (including State Street from I-20 to US 80) and from Woodrow Wilson to US 51 @ Ridgeland was originally built as the new US 51 in the 1950's.  The old roads (State Street north of Woodrow Wilson to the new US 51, Terry Rd from MS 18/Raymond Rd to Cunningham St in Terry, Cunningham St from what is now the East Frontage Rd to Railroad Ave, Railroad Ave from Cunningham St south to the current East Frontage Rd, and old US 51 from the end of the Frontage Rd section to the county line) were all turned over to the local governments (City of Jackson, Town of Terry, Hinds County).  Later on, the new sections of US 51 (except between I-20 and US 80) were rebuilt to meet Interstate standards to carry I-55. Frontage Roads were necessary to access businesses that had opened on the new US 51.  On I-55 north, the exit ramps were tied into the two way frontage roads.  This was all converted to Texas style one way frontage roads in the late 80's and early 90's.  I-55 south has not been rebuilt since its conversion from US 51 with the exception of (1) reconstruction of the Byram exit and (2) a permanent median wall after years and years of a temporary wall.  

I-55 between I-20 and Woodrow Wilson was built as a purpose-built Interstate highway.  Since it was a brand new road, there were no businesses and no need for Frontage Roads.  US 51 remained on State Street until the mid 70's, when the city of Jackson and MDOT agreed that the city should control and maintain State Street from the bridge north of US 80 to Woodrow Wilson.  The "spur" leg of US 51 from I-20/55 to US 80 is now basically a glorified on/off ramp.

Once I-55 was completed, US 49 moved from its previous alignment on US 80 and US 51 to I-55 between I-20 and Woodrow Wilson.  In 1987, MDOT and the city agreed to move US 49 to I-20 and I-220 and give the old US 49 to the city. Unlike US 51, MDOT pulled all of the US 49 signs off of the old road and the old alignment on the interstates rather quickly after the turnover.  MDOT did not include the old US 49 as part of MS 149 because it was not bypassed by a new section of US 49 - I guess  :hmmm:.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on December 02, 2011, 08:53:47 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on November 21, 2011, 06:14:19 PM
Is there a specific reason that the interchange with I-55 at Woodrow Wilson is so large instead of being a normal trumpet, diamond, etc?  That exit as well as the western I-20/I-55 interchange and the exity immediately east of it have always made me scratch my had.  They seem so out of place, antiquated, and hard to replace.

I suppose I-55 and US 49 was built as a directional interchange because it was a major junction at the time.  A diamond or trumpet interchange would have had a major impact on the neighboring Riverside Park (now LeFleur's Bluff State Park).  Plus, there was nothing east of the interchange except the park and the Pearl River.  Access to those areas is provided by nearby MS 25/Lakeland Dr and Highland Dr.  The interchange's two faults are the short merge area on I-55 SB south of the interchange and on Woodrow Wilson at the first signal for the VA Hospital.

The I-20/55 west interchange was built around the existing US 51 and its exit with Gallatin St.  US 51 was not relocated during construction.  If you travelled through the area while the I-20/55 westbound bridge was being rebuilt, you would have noticed an eastbound right exit to Gallatin St.  That ramp was built as a temporary off-ramp to Gallatin St.  The temporary ramp and temporary ramp signal on Gallatin St were removed after State St was reopened under I-20/55 WB.  For as messy as it looks, the interchange works decently for regular commuters except for the right lane drops on I-20 EB east of the I-55 NB merge and on I-55 SB at McDowell Rd.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 03, 2011, 09:50:59 PM
Quote from: rel4 on December 02, 2011, 08:53:47 PM
I suppose I-55 and US 49 was built as a directional interchange because it was a major junction at the time.  A diamond or trumpet interchange would have had a major impact on the neighboring Riverside Park (now LeFleur's Bluff State Park).

I think they still could have fit a trumpet in the same spot that would take up much less space. Of course, I don't know what traffic demands were back then so I can't really say.

Quote
as messy as it looks, the interchange works decently for regular commuters except for the right lane drops on I-20 EB east of the I-55 NB merge and on I-55 SB at McDowell Rd.

What bothers me about these interchanges is that they both have, what are now substandard, ramps carrying one direction of the mainline over the rest of the interchange while the other mainline side remains on the ground. Of course, I understand if the interchanges had to be built around a pre-existing one. After looking back at the interchanges on Google, I see that all they really have to do is build a new mainline bridge through the middle of the current interchanges. Shouldn't be as hard as I originally thought to rebuild.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on December 04, 2011, 03:36:44 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 21, 2011, 06:19:23 PM
At the time, and for several years afterwards, Woodrow Wilson was carrying US 49 through traffic.  I-220 wasn't built until ca. 1987.

Are you sure it was completed at that late of a date?  I remember riding to Jackson in 1984 and taking I-220 from US 49 to I-55.  Admittedly, that is out of the way if you're going to downtown Jackson as I was then with other CYO members, but that's the way our driver/chaperone went!

From all that I have read about US 49, it is currently on its third alignment on the south side of Jackson and US 51 is on its second.  God bless.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on December 04, 2011, 03:42:34 PM
Until the late 1930s, Clinton Boulevard and West Capitol Street was the route of US 80 in and out of Jackson from the west.

http://g.co/maps/77rsb

This was the original intersection of US 80 and 51:

http://g.co/maps/e7pfy

God bless,

CKB
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on December 05, 2011, 06:25:20 PM
QuoteAre you sure it was completed at that late of a date?  I remember riding to Jackson in 1984 and taking I-220 from US 49 to I-55.  Admittedly, that is out of the way if you're going to downtown Jackson as I was then with other CYO members, but that's the way our driver/chaperone went!

You're correct...I made a mistake.  I-220 was completed in 1981.  US 49 was moved off of Woodrow Wilson and onto I-20/I-220 ca. 1987.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 06, 2011, 12:40:21 AM
I see that I-20 is being widened east of Jackson. What ever happened to widening of I-55 to the north?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on December 06, 2011, 12:58:53 PM
Another stretch of Mississippi interstate that was built on a US highway right of way is multiplexed I-20/I-59 through Meridian.  It was originally built in the 1940s as a new route for US 80 known as Tom Bailey Parkway.  The western part of TBP was on a former railroad right-of-way.

This is a portion of the "new" 80 that wasn't buried by the Interstate:

http://g.co/maps/cvtw3

God bless,

CKB
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on December 06, 2011, 02:42:05 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on December 06, 2011, 12:40:21 AM
I see that I-20 is being widened east of Jackson. What ever happened to widening of I-55 to the north?

How far north? I know they widened it to Madison (Miss. 463).

What happened to widening I-55 South (I-20 to Byram)?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on December 06, 2011, 02:43:20 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on December 06, 2011, 12:58:53 PM
Another stretch of Mississippi interstate that was built on a US highway right of way is multiplexed I-20/I-59 through Meridian.  It was originally built in the 1940s as a new route for US 80 known as Tom Bailey Parkway.  The western part of TBP was on a former railroad right-of-way.

This is a portion of the "new" 80 that wasn't buried by the Interstate:

http://g.co/maps/cvtw3

God bless,

CKB


I'm surprised they didn't do Texas-styled frontage roads on I-20/59.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 06, 2011, 03:25:44 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on December 06, 2011, 02:42:05 PM
How far north? I know they widened it to Madison (Miss. 463).

What happened to widening I-55 South (I-20 to Byram)?

Ok, nevermind. I had forgotten about that, but isn't it like incomplete or something?

Quote from: brownpelican on December 06, 2011, 02:43:20 PM
I'm surprised they didn't do Texas-styled frontage roads on I-20/59.

I think that there's a small section that does have them. I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Ace10 on December 11, 2011, 01:33:43 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on December 06, 2011, 03:25:44 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on December 06, 2011, 02:43:20 PM
I'm surprised they didn't do Texas-styled frontage roads on I-20/59.
I think that there's a small section that does have them. I could be wrong.

I found, like, two ramps.

I-20 E / I-59 N: 32.3601 N, 88.6805 W

I-20 W / I-59 S: 32.3651 N, 88.67495 W

It looks like they left some room between the Interstate ROW and the frontage roads to put in a few more slip ramps if there's ever a need.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on December 11, 2011, 09:50:50 AM
Speaking of Meridian, I spotted a 4-lane boulevard who's parralel to the west of US-45, is it part of a bigger plan?
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=32.378838,-88.653574&spn=0.028088,0.038581&vpsrc=0&t=k&z=15
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on December 11, 2011, 11:12:16 AM
QuoteSpeaking of Meridian, I spotted a 4-lane boulevard who's parralel to the west of US-45, is it part of a bigger plan?

Roadwise, no.  That road and interchange were built because Meridian plans to convert the adjacent land into an industrial park.

You couldn't extend the road south, anyway.  Most of the land south of MS 19 there is parkland/wetland.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on December 12, 2011, 07:23:24 AM
Quote from: Ace10 on December 11, 2011, 01:33:43 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on December 06, 2011, 03:25:44 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on December 06, 2011, 02:43:20 PM
I'm surprised they didn't do Texas-styled frontage roads on I-20/59.
I think that there's a small section that does have them. I could be wrong.

I found, like, two ramps.

I-20 E / I-59 N: 32.3601 N, 88.6805 W

I-20 W / I-59 S: 32.3651 N, 88.67495 W

It looks like they left some room between the Interstate ROW and the frontage roads to put in a few more slip ramps if there's ever a need.

That extra ROW should be used for an additional lane in each direction through there. It is needed pretty badly.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on December 12, 2011, 07:33:23 AM
I wouldn't say it's needed "pretty badly".  That said, a couple more auxiliary lanes between on and off ramps would be useful.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on December 13, 2011, 01:39:07 AM
A past article during the widening to Ocean Springs construction noted further widening to Exit 61 was in the works, but so far there hasn't been any news on this.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on December 23, 2011, 01:20:51 AM
Overhead BGSs give wrong directions in Jackson:

http://www.wlbt.com/story/16382597/signs-of-misdirection
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: xonhulu on December 23, 2011, 04:12:12 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on December 23, 2011, 01:20:51 AM
Overhead BGSs give wrong directions in Jackson:

They don't mention it in the report, but is it also a mistake that I-20 is depicted twice on the BGS, going both EAST and SOUTH?   Or is the SOUTH supposed to be I-55?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: jdb1234 on December 23, 2011, 04:18:50 PM
Quote from: xonhulu on December 23, 2011, 04:12:12 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on December 23, 2011, 01:20:51 AM
Overhead BGSs give wrong directions in Jackson:

They don't mention it in the report, but is it also a mistake that I-20 is depicted twice on the BGS, going both EAST and SOUTH?   Or is the SOUTH supposed to be I-55?

I think the SOUTH is supposed to be US 49
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: xonhulu on December 23, 2011, 04:34:40 PM
Quote from: jdb1234 on December 23, 2011, 04:18:50 PM
I think the SOUTH is supposed to be US 49

Makes sense, now that I actually have looked at a map of Jackson.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on December 24, 2011, 12:27:04 AM
The real question that should be asked if how did MDOT not look at this sign before letting it go up.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on January 05, 2012, 12:37:19 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on November 11, 2011, 10:59:36 AM
As of mid-September, the MS 9 project was approximately 44% complete and approximately 100 days ahead of schedule
On the MS 9 project between MS 6 and US 78, most of the dirt work is complete, work on the bridges is proceeding, and MDOT still anticipates it will be open to traffic by September (Jan. 1 article):
http://nems360.com/view/full_story/16955250/article-2011--Year-in-Review---Highway-9-construction-steady-on-probable-early-finish?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Ace10 on January 19, 2012, 06:52:36 PM
An article was posted to the Sun Herald (local paper) about the connection between I-10 and the Port of Gulfport.

http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/18/3695456/mdot-port-study-will-set-final.html
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on January 24, 2012, 03:31:33 PM
I drove down Terry Road near Jackson State and found out that it's been named University Boulevard from JSU to I-20. South of I-20 is still known as Terry Road.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on February 07, 2012, 08:54:45 AM
In Hattiesburg at the I-59/US 98 west interchange, it appears that a triple left turn movement has been constructed for traffic exiting from I-59 SB to access Hardy Street Eastbound. This Google Maps link (http://g.co/maps/53uyq) shows that the bridge already has three through lanes going east, but the right most lane exits off to I-59 NB. I couldn't tell if that was modified with the project to extend the third lane past the interchange or not.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on February 22, 2012, 11:59:59 AM
MDOT seems to have redesigned their website (http://www.gomdot.com/portal/home.aspx) rather extensively, but so far I don't think I like it.  It's confusing.  Maybe it's incomplete.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on February 23, 2012, 05:07:08 PM
Quote from: berberry on February 22, 2012, 11:59:59 AM
MDOT seems to have redesigned their website (http://www.gomdot.com/portal/home.aspx) rather extensively, but so far I don't think I like it.  It's confusing.  Maybe it's incomplete.

I'm not sure if I like it, either.  In the past, I have occasionally perused old news releases.  However, here is a recent Q & A I recently had with the webmaster:

Quote
Q: On new website, how do I access older news releases that are not on the home page?

A: Because we have moved over to a new database, we no longer have the old new releases available on the website.  If you have a specific new release that you would like to find, we could pull this release for you and send a copy in an email.

Not that big a deal, but it still seems unnecessary.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on February 24, 2012, 09:38:25 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on February 23, 2012, 05:07:08 PM
QuoteQ: On new website, how do I access older news releases that are not on the home page?

A: Because we have moved over to a new database, we no longer have the old new releases available on the website.  If you have a specific new release that you would like to find, we could pull this release for you and send a copy in an email.

Not that big a deal, but it still seems unnecessary.

At least they have the more recent releases available.  In case there's anyone who hasn't spotted it yet, the breaking news banners seem to all be linked to the press releases page.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on March 07, 2012, 02:59:15 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on October 24, 2011, 03:14:03 PM
Quote from: NE2 on October 24, 2011, 12:14:45 PM
Quote from: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/nhs/hipricorridors/hpcor.html
The portion of Corridor V of the Appalachian development highway system from Interstate Route 55 near Batesville, Mississippi, to the intersection with Corridor X of the Appalachian development highway system near Fulton, Mississippi.
Since Corridor X begins at Fulton, this just means it follows MS 76-US 45-US 78-MS 25. See the map at the end of http://www.arc.gov/images/programs/transp/adhs_status_report_2010/ADHS2010StatusReportMississippi.pdf.

The paving contract for MS 6 from MS 342 to US 45  (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=34.22040107419808~-88.8036460876465&lvl=12&dir=0&sty=h&where1=Tupelo%2C%20MS&form=LMLTCC) is scheduled to be let on March 27 (http://sp.gomdot.com/Contract%20Administration/BidSystems/Pages/current-letting.aspx), and it is anticipated to be completed by October 1, 2013.  At that time, Mississippi's section of Corridor V will be completed from Batesville to MS 25 south of Fairview (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=fairview+ms&hl=en&ll=34.335002,-88.317547&spn=0.049046,0.076818&sll=34.328127,-88.312225&sspn=0.392396,0.614548&hnear=Fairview,+Itawamba,+Mississippi&t=h&z=14).  Here is the Proposal (http://www.gomdot.com/bidsystem_data/20120327/PROPOSALS/100078305.pdf) for the MS 6 paving project.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on March 29, 2012, 10:57:52 PM
Clearing of the right of way of the future MS-601/Possible I-310 (Central Harrison Connector (http://sp.gomdot.com/projectsfiles/CentralHarrisonConnector.pdf)) shows up on Google's aerials now (http://g.co/maps/8r6c6).

Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 02, 2012, 08:19:24 AM
Quote from: Alex on March 29, 2012, 10:57:52 PM
Clearing of the right of way of the future MS-601/Possible I-310 (Central Harrison Connector (http://sp.gomdot.com/projectsfiles/CentralHarrisonConnector.pdf)) shows up on Google's aerials now (http://g.co/maps/8r6c6).



It looks like they are only connecting it temporarily to Canal Rd for now until they can build the interchange with I-10. Will be interesting to see the southern portion. Will also be awesome to see the interchange with I-10 itself.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on April 04, 2012, 12:18:17 AM
Yeah I'm curious to know when this cleared land will start seeing actual construction.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on April 05, 2012, 08:25:10 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on April 04, 2012, 12:18:17 AM
Yeah I'm curious to know when this cleared land will start seeing actual construction.

No active constructed was visible anywhere along the route today. What is on the aerials is was is visible in the field. No active work otherwise. Photos from this morning:

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/midwest/racetrack_rd_s_view_of_ms-601.jpg) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/midwest/racetrack_rd_s_view_of_ms-601.jpg)

Racetrack Road crosses the future path of Mississippi 601. This view looks at the land clearing to the south of the road.

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/midwest/34th_av_nb_at_34th_st_w.jpg) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/midwest/34th_av_nb_at_34th_st_w.jpg)

34th Avenue north at 34th Street west. Demolition is complete looking west, including of every house that was on Castile Drive. In the distance, I could see a road closed barricade for the formerly residential street.

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/midwest/34th_av_sb_at_34th_st_e.jpg) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/midwest/34th_av_sb_at_34th_st_e.jpg)

Looking southeast from 34th Avenue at 34th Street where MS-601 will turn south toward 30th Avenue.

The business in the path of MS-601 on the corner of 28th Street and 30th Avenue was still in operation. So construction is a ways off here.




(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/midwest/us-049_sb_at_us-090.jpg) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/midwest/us-049_sb_at_us-090.jpg)

The shield-less terminus of U.S. 49 at U.S. 90 in Gulfport. Previously a set of US 90 shields and a small guide sign were posted in the median. These are gone with landscaping...




Not sure when that overpass project is slated to start for Promenade Parkway at MS 15/67, but the left-turn lane from northbound bleeds badly onto the mainline lanes of the ending I-110.  :banghead:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on April 06, 2012, 09:39:56 AM
I'm not sure how I feel about the new Connector interchange at I-10.  I remember seeing it drawn on a map a few years ago and it looked like a full stack sitting directly atop a 2/4 cloverleaf. 

In most cases stacks look beautiful on a map, but ugly as hell in real life. There are a few nice ones but not many. Don't get me wrong; I think we need more of them, I just think most of them are eyesores.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 19, 2012, 09:25:17 PM
Olive Branch to move natural gas, water lines for I-269 path:

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120419/NEWS/120419005/Work-paving-way-Interstate-269-
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on April 24, 2012, 03:57:04 PM
Looking at the AA Gallery archives, found this oddity photographed by Alex Harris in 2000:

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/tupelo.jpg)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on May 01, 2012, 05:26:28 PM
I did note construction barrels in place and some earth moving equipment to the northeast of Sangani and MS-67 last month. This work cannot come soon enough as the turn lanes into the sprawly shopping center added have destroyed the fluidity of I-110 north transitioning to MS-67 north.

Highway 67 interchange project to begin this month (http://msbusiness.com/2012/03/highway-67-interchange-project-to-begin-this-month/)

Quote$7.3 million. Work is scheduled to begin in mid-March.

The project is divided into four phases. Phase one involves construction of the permanent connector roads that will be located in the northeast and northwest quadrants of the existing intersection. Temporary traffic signals and a crossover will be installed approximately 300 feet north of the existing traffic signals.

Phase two involves raising the elevation at the intersection of Sangani Boulevard and Indian River Road (near Ruby Tuesday's restaurant).

Phase three involves constructing a new overpass bridge, which will be in the same location as the existing intersection.

Phase four involves removing the temporary signals/ crossover and work to provide final roadway grading and grassing.

Also found another article on the project which lists the timetable:

MDOT to Soon Begin Major Coast Roadwork (http://www.gulfcoastnews.com/GCNnewsMDOTroadWork033012.htm)

QuoteThe project is scheduled to be completed by July 2013.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on May 06, 2012, 03:01:54 AM
I don't remember the number of miles but I-10 will soon be resurfaced in eastern Jackson County all the way to the Alabama State Line.  Please note that this project is scheduled to be bid on this May.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on May 09, 2012, 10:01:04 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on March 07, 2012, 02:59:15 PM
The paving contract for MS 6 from MS 342 to US 45  (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=34.22040107419808~-88.8036460876465&lvl=12&dir=0&sty=h&where1=Tupelo%2C%20MS&form=LMLTCC) is scheduled to be let on March 27 (http://sp.gomdot.com/Contract%20Administration/BidSystems/Pages/current-letting.aspx), and it is anticipated to be completed by October 1, 2013.  At that time, Mississippi's section of Corridor V will be completed from Batesville to MS 25 south of Fairview (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=fairview+ms&hl=en&ll=34.335002,-88.317547&spn=0.049046,0.076818&sll=34.328127,-88.312225&sspn=0.392396,0.614548&hnear=Fairview,+Itawamba,+Mississippi&t=h&z=14).  Here is the Proposal (http://www.gomdot.com/bidsystem_data/20120327/PROPOSALS/100078305.pdf) for the MS 6 paving project.

The letting was delayed a month, but on May 8, MDOT awarded an approximate $26 million paving contract from the April 24 letting (http://www.gomdot.com/bidsystem_data/20120424/LETDOCS/20120424BidAwards.pdf) for approximately eleven miles of new terrain MS 6/ Corridor V:

Quote
PONTOTOC & LEE COUNTIES - Paving Approximately 11 Miles of SR 6, From SR 342 to US 45
APAC - MISSISSIPPI, INC.
PO BOX 24508
JACKSON, MS 39225-4508
$26,063,699.50
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on May 09, 2012, 11:51:51 PM
Construction is about to kick in on I-55 between Ridgeland and Madison. Expansion to 8 lanes + feeders from Old Agency to the SPUI. Northbound will be moved to the southbound side for 2x2 config. I would post the article, but I'm mobile. MDOT hopes to start construction by mid-summer.

Is it just me or does Jackson have somewhat of an overbuilt freeway system for a city it's size? I mean traffic is relatively non existent although the people who live there complain about the little that they do see. I do feel like expansion of I-55 on the southern end of the city is long overdue, however.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 10, 2012, 12:57:06 AM
Here's the story of the construction on WLBT's website (http://www.wlbt.com/story/18240485/major-road-construction-scheduled-madison-county). Once the lane shifts start, it's really gonna be hell going through southern Madison County.

As far as Jackson with an overbuilt freeway system...not sure what you mean. Sure, the traffic here isn't nearly like it is in bigger cities, but it's a growing area (albeit, not very rapidly). However, we do have some future projects that will contribute to some major growth here over the next 10-20 years and beyond. At least, the road projects will help stay ahead of the curve.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on May 10, 2012, 04:56:05 AM
What I mean is that it has a lot of a freeway (particularly I-55) capacity compared to cities its size and even some bigger ones.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 10, 2012, 09:01:23 AM
I won't disagree with you on that, then. Tell you what, though: when the lane shifts occur this summer, I-55 north, especially at and north of the 220 split, will be hell to deal with. Thank God I don't have to use either one to get to where I need to go!
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on May 10, 2012, 10:44:10 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on May 09, 2012, 11:51:51 PM
Construction is about to kick in on I-55 between Ridgeland and Madison. Expansion to 8 lanes + feeders from Old Agency to the SPUI. Northbound will be moved to the southbound side for 2x2 config. I would post the article, but I'm mobile. MDOT hopes to start construction by mid-summer.

Is it just me or does Jackson have somewhat of an overbuilt freeway system for a city it's size? I mean traffic is relatively non existent although the people who live there complain about the little that they do see. I do feel like expansion of I-55 on the southern end of the city is long overdue, however.

I have noticed plenty of traffic for a metro of Jackson's size on my trips through the area, especially at the confluence of I-20/55.  Driving through on Monday, there was an accident with fire and paramedics on the scene. The backup leading east was monumental, bleeding onto the US 49 northbound flyover. Driving northward last Thursday, an accident on I-55 southbound, north of Madison crushed traffic for southbound.

The other thing that makes me irate about Jackson is again where I-20/55 merge and the quick lane changes required and lack of yielding. On two occasions over the years the car I was either driving or riding in was nearly sideswiped. Pipedream: If a side by side carriageway configuration were added to separate mainline I-20 from mainline I-55, that would be great.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 10, 2012, 01:38:49 PM
I usually don't go through the Stack (our nickname for the 20/55 merge) unless I'm going out to visit the gf, but even then, I can take a back way to get there. It also doesn't help that there's a construction project to widen I-20 out to Brandon.

There is a lack of east-west roads that connects Jackson to Rankin County. I-20, US 80 and MS 25 (Lakeland Drive) are the main roads that cross to and from the aforementioned locations. All of them are high-traffic areas, though 80 isn't nearly as crowded as the others.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on May 10, 2012, 02:32:04 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on May 09, 2012, 11:51:51 PM
Is it just me or does Jackson have somewhat of an overbuilt freeway system for a city it's size? I mean traffic is relatively non existent although the people who live there complain about the little that they do see. I do feel like expansion of I-55 on the southern end of the city is long overdue, however.

I thought they would be doing that by now, but instead, they did a repaving of the road.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 10, 2012, 04:47:05 PM
I believe eventually, they'll need to revisit widening I-55 south. We do have some growth to the south (though not as much as Madison or Rankin County). But it still carries a good amount of traffic.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: sr641 on May 10, 2012, 08:05:06 PM
Mississippi should make US 49 a freeway from Jackson - Gulfport.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 10, 2012, 11:46:28 PM
There had been some small talk about an interstate running from Jackson to the Gulf Coast that would run parallel with 49. I doubt I'll see it in my lifetime. I wonder if it would be cheaper to build it or convert 49 to a freeway.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Ace10 on May 11, 2012, 11:32:44 AM
US 49 from Jackson to Gulfport (except for Hattiesburg) is pretty much very rural Mississippi. But then there's not a lot of traffic in those rural areas, so I don't see too much of a need to build a freeway just for the hell of it. There's the US 98 + I-59 bypass/"half-beltway" around Hattiesburg, which is a freeway for just a few miles for people to get around Hattiesburg, and that's really the only place I could justify building one in the first place.

I thought the same thing about MDOT making MS 67 a freeway from I-110 to US 49 (or hell, extend I-110) but traffic along MS 67 really is sparse to were it feels like a freeway, but isn't.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on May 11, 2012, 12:54:28 PM
Quote from: Ace10 on May 11, 2012, 11:32:44 AM
US 49 from Jackson to Gulfport (except for Hattiesburg) is pretty much very rural Mississippi. But then there's not a lot of traffic in those rural areas, so I don't see too much of a need to build a freeway just for the hell of it. There's the US 98 + I-59 bypass/"half-beltway" around Hattiesburg, which is a freeway for just a few miles for people to get around Hattiesburg, and that's really the only place I could justify building one in the first place.

I thought the same thing about MDOT making MS 67 a freeway from I-110 to US 49 (or hell, extend I-110) but traffic along MS 67 really is sparse to were it feels like a freeway, but isn't.

There was a plan to build a freeway north from Gulfport along the US 49 corridor, but it has not gotten much attention in recent years and likely is not something that will happen anytime soon. A 2004 news article (http://www.interstate-guide.com/future.html#061) from the Biloxi Sun-Herald went as far as touting a 2011 completion of it to Wiggns from Gulfport...

As for US 49 between Jackson and Hattiesburg, the 65 mph speed limit is great, but the addition of two traffic lights surrounding the US 84 interchange interrupts the flow badly, and even worse, both sets of signals utilize split-phase timing (which most of them on US 49 do anyway).  :thumbdown:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 11, 2012, 09:28:20 PM
At one time, the only traffic signals on US 49 between Florence and Hattiesburg were in Magee. Since then, many more traffic signals have been set up.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on May 11, 2012, 10:24:28 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on May 11, 2012, 09:28:20 PM
At one time, the only traffic signals on US 49 between Florence and Hattiesburg were in Magee. Since then, many more traffic signals have been set up.

That number is up to 17 as of Monday.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on May 12, 2012, 03:42:26 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on May 11, 2012, 09:28:20 PM
At one time, the only traffic signals on US 49 between Florence and Hattiesburg were in Magee. Since then, many more traffic signals have been set up.

Yeah. Thanks Florence and Richland. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on May 12, 2012, 04:05:14 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on May 12, 2012, 03:42:26 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on May 11, 2012, 09:28:20 PM
At one time, the only traffic signals on US 49 between Florence and Hattiesburg were in Magee. Since then, many more traffic signals have been set up.

Yeah. Thanks Florence and Richland. :rolleyes:

And once south of those two cities, US 49 traffic breaks up and gets to 65 mph. I like the brief freewayization of US 49 leading into I-20, when was that completed? First drove it in November of 2008. Looks like south of there, additional development has made the prospects of improving the roadway cost prohibitive.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 13, 2012, 02:06:31 AM
Not sure when the "freeway" through Richland was complete, but it was in the not-too-distant past. You're right, there isn't much that can be done about turning 49 into a freeway through Richland and Florence. Heck, there isn't even any room to expand it to more lanes. Well, you could, but look at the cost of buying right-of-ways...that ain't happenin'! The only way to solve this problem is to build a bypass or loop through the southern metro area.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on May 14, 2012, 11:24:17 AM
QuoteUS 49 from Jackson to Gulfport (except for Hattiesburg) is pretty much very rural Mississippi. But then there's not a lot of traffic in those rural areas, so I don't see too much of a need to build a freeway just for the hell of it. There's the US 98 + I-59 bypass/"half-beltway" around Hattiesburg, which is a freeway for just a few miles for people to get around Hattiesburg, and that's really the only place I could justify building one in the first place.

Believe it or not, US 49 gets a fair bit of traffic, especially between Jackson and Hattiesburg.  It's enough to warrant 4 lanes, and there are a few locations that could warrant a freeway section today:  through North Gulfport (which in part drove a study about 5-6 years ago mentioned earlier by Alex), north of I-59 near Hattiesburg, and through Rankin County.

QuoteNot sure when the "freeway" through Richland was complete, but it was in the not-too-distant past.

Mid-2000s.  Don't remember exactly when but it was done before 2006.  Was under construction when I left Mississippi in 2001.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Ace10 on May 14, 2012, 01:51:59 PM
As far as Gulfport goes, the new I-310 should take care of the big bottlenecks on US 49 - at least those south of I-10. It would be REALLY nice if MDOT built I-310 to tie into US 49 a little further north, like near MS 53 or MS 67 where the Gulfport traffic thins out and US 49 becomes more rural.

I took a trip to/from Gulfport and Jackson and the traffic wasn't too bad from my experience, but if it can interrupt the free flow as you guys mentioned above, I could see a justification for building a freeway or at least a freeway bypass (like US 98/I-59 around Hattiesburg) around the towns.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on May 14, 2012, 02:10:44 PM
QuoteAs far as Gulfport goes, the new I-310 should take care of the big bottlenecks on US 49 - at least those south of I-10. It would be REALLY nice if MDOT built I-310 to tie into US 49 a little further north, like near MS 53 or MS 67 where the Gulfport traffic thins out and US 49 becomes more rural.

That was the gist of what Alex posted about on Friday (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=97.msg148269#msg148269).  An extension of the MS 601 freeway north of I-10 and tying into US 49 near Wiggins was studied about 5 years ago.  Unfortunately, the study is no longer on MDOT's (poorly redesigned) website.

It should also be noted that "I-310" is not official.  MDOT planning documents and maps mark it as MS 601.  It certainly COULD become an Interstate if built to Interstate standard (which will depend on the touchdown into the port).  But aside from some theoretical I-310 mentions here and there, it's not officially called that yet.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 14, 2012, 11:31:33 PM
I-55 through south Jackson & Byram will be expanding to six lanes starting next year. MDOT resufaced it last year because it was becoming a dangerous situation. With work on I-55 through Madison County getting started and I-20 in Rankin County expanding, the metro's gonna be one huge construction zone soon.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on May 15, 2012, 07:47:13 AM
Quote-55 through south Jackson & Byram will be expanding to six lanes starting next year.

Are you sure?  MDOT's STIP only lists it as "Reconstruction".  They don't specify widening like they do for I-20 or the Madison County project.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on May 15, 2012, 11:03:34 AM
I spotted that one who looks like an urban legend but it isn't one.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/why-you-should-call-911-if-you-get-pulled-over-in-mississippi-w/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 15, 2012, 12:48:15 PM
Quote from: froggie on May 15, 2012, 07:47:13 AM
Quote-55 through south Jackson & Byram will be expanding to six lanes starting next year.

Are you sure?  MDOT's STIP only lists it as "Reconstruction".  They don't specify widening like they do for I-20 or the Madison County project.

Dick Hall (central Mississippi transportation commissioner) said this on WLBT last night. I'll link the website when I have time.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 16, 2012, 06:41:00 PM
Here's the link to the WLBT story that I promised:

http://www.wlbt.com/story/18382509/i-55-south-traffic-congestion-to-get-relief

I didn't realize that extra lanes will be added on US 49. That may not happen until 2014.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on May 18, 2012, 03:41:31 PM
Most of the I-55 south work going in the median? What median? I'm assuming that means no inside shoulders.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 18, 2012, 08:30:21 PM
That's the impression I was getting.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on May 19, 2012, 04:01:02 PM
So basically they're going to give it the St. Louis treatment.  Shift the lanes to the left, add a little on the side, and squeeze them in under overpasses. It's common along I-64 and I-55 in the STL area to have wide asphalt freeways with concrete fast lanes as a result.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: qguy on May 19, 2012, 04:48:21 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on May 19, 2012, 04:01:02 PM
So basically they're going to give it the St. Louis treatment.  Shift the lanes to the left, add a little on the side, and squeeze them in under overpasses.

If I'm understanding you correctly, that's what the PA Turnpike did for their first widening project (from 2 lanes directionally to 3) from interchange 333 (Mid-County, at I-476) to interchange 351 (Bensalem, at US 1), completed in 1989. In order to avoid lengthening overhead bridges, they shifted the lanes into the median shoulder (which was practically nonexistent as it was) and narrowed the lanes six inches each (I think) to squeeze them between the bridge piers. For all subsequent widening projects, including the adjacent project going from 2 lanes to 3 from interchange 326 (Valley Forge, where I-76 diverges) to interchange 333 (Mid-County), they've reconstructed virtually all bridges to lengthen them.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on May 24, 2012, 12:05:14 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on May 18, 2012, 03:41:31 PM
Most of the I-55 south work going in the median? What median? I'm assuming that means no inside shoulders.

I know right? What median?

I remember they were talking about widening it when I was at JSU in the mid-90s. I thought it would be done by the early 2000s at worst.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on May 29, 2012, 05:46:06 PM
I caught part of an episode of History Channel's American Pickers and was surprised to see them inquire about a highway shield that should be of interest to old sign fans. Took two screen grabs of the shield in question:

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/miss-1-cutout_01.jpg)

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/miss-1-cutout_02.jpg)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 29, 2012, 06:04:01 PM
that looks pretty nice.  probably about an 800 dollar sign.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on May 29, 2012, 06:10:05 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 29, 2012, 06:04:01 PM
that looks pretty nice.  probably about an 800 dollar sign.

The owner responded immediately with something like "noooooo" while shaking his head. Can't blame him there!
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 29, 2012, 06:37:21 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 29, 2012, 06:10:05 PM


The owner responded immediately with something like "noooooo" while shaking his head. Can't blame him there!

responded to what?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on May 29, 2012, 06:57:07 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 29, 2012, 06:37:21 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 29, 2012, 06:10:05 PM


The owner responded immediately with something like "noooooo" while shaking his head. Can't blame him there!

responded to what?

The guy Mike on the show wanted to make an offer on the sign. The owner responded with something about Route 1 being the River Highway, after Mike asked if it was from the Blues Highway.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 30, 2012, 10:25:34 PM
Older than this sign assembly

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7098%2F7305614540_ac2161a5d1_c.jpg&hash=93e640bd0334267758e5166f74273f46eb842fa4)

(Photo was taken by Samuel Charters back in early 70s as part of a book he wrote about Robert Johnson)
http://catalog.rockhall.com/catalog/797676 (http://catalog.rockhall.com/catalog/797676)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 31, 2012, 10:02:24 AM
definitely.  the sign was stamped out sometime between 1926 and the 1950s.  it may have been given reflective sheeting on its first issue, or it may have been taken down and the original non-reflective coat refurbished to a reflective standard, sometime in the 50s.

it took on its final form in the 1950s or maybe even early 60s.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 04, 2012, 11:47:26 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on May 18, 2012, 03:41:31 PM
Most of the I-55 south work going in the median? What median? I'm assuming that means no inside shoulders.

After driving through this stretch on Saturday, I don't see how the extra lanes can go in the median.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on June 07, 2012, 05:14:50 PM
Biloxi officials have unveiled plans to extend Popps Ferry Road to Beach Blvd (US 90) as a four-lane road. There are two options, with neither displacing homes or businesses:
* The road runs down west of and parralel to Oakmont Place.
* The second route would be 500 feet further west, running east of and parallel to Beachview Avenue.

Each route has the option of having the road cross the railroad tracks or go over them via an overpass.

A public meeting is scheduled for June 19. Popps Ferry currently ends at Pass Road.

http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/06/3993346/biloxi-begins-plans-to-extend.html (http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/06/3993346/biloxi-begins-plans-to-extend.html)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 07, 2012, 05:37:40 PM
City of Jackson to rehab Fortification Street (http://www.wapt.com/news/central-mississippi/jackson/Fortification-Street-improvement-project-kicks-off/-/9156912/14661136/-/12qlbkcz/-/index.html)

About damn time!
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on June 08, 2012, 03:27:21 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on May 09, 2012, 10:01:04 PM
The letting was delayed a month, but on May 8, MDOT awarded an approximate $26 million paving contract from the April 24 letting (http://www.gomdot.com/bidsystem_data/20120424/LETDOCS/20120424BidAwards.pdf) for approximately eleven miles of new terrain MS 6/ Corridor V

This June 1, 2012 article (http://www.djournal.com/view/full_story/18821466/article-Contract-let-on-final-leg-of-new-Highway-6?instance=home_news_bullets) indicates that paving should begin in two to three weeks:

Quote
A contract has been let and paving is expected to begin within 30 days on the final 11 miles of four lane for new Mississippi Highway 6, Mississippi Department of Transportation officials confirmed this week.
APAC Mississippi, headquartered in Jackson, was recently awarded the $26.06 million contract to pave the final leg of the four lane from Highway 342 to U.S. Highway 45 in Tupelo, said Skip Benson, MDOT assistant construction engineer.
Benson said APAC is completing preconstruction procedures and paving should begin in three to four weeks.
"The completion date is set for Oct. 1, 2013," Benson said.

Once this last segment is paved, Mississippi 6 four lane will run from Interstate 55 at Batesville to U.S. 45 four lane in Tupelo.
APAC was the apparent low bidder and the contract was let earlier this month.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: SSF on June 08, 2012, 06:22:22 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on June 07, 2012, 05:37:40 PM
City of Jackson to rehab Fortification Street (http://www.wapt.com/news/central-mississippi/jackson/Fortification-Street-improvement-project-kicks-off/-/9156912/14661136/-/12qlbkcz/-/index.html)

About damn time!

I didn't see any termination points in the article, I will assume it is going to at least 55 from state?  that is a lovely stretch of road, all I care about is the Irish pub staying open and in business.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on June 09, 2012, 01:30:52 AM
It needs to be rehabbed all the way to Woodrow Wilson Drive.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 09, 2012, 10:42:13 PM
Quote from: SSF on June 08, 2012, 06:22:22 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on June 07, 2012, 05:37:40 PM
City of Jackson to rehab Fortification Street (http://www.wapt.com/news/central-mississippi/jackson/Fortification-Street-improvement-project-kicks-off/-/9156912/14661136/-/12qlbkcz/-/index.html)

About damn time!

I didn't see any termination points in the article, I will assume it is going to at least 55 from state?  that is a lovely stretch of road, all I care about is the Irish pub staying open and in business.

It's going to Farish Street, between State and Bailey Avenue. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 09, 2012, 10:43:28 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 09, 2012, 01:30:52 AM
It needs to be rehabbed all the way to Woodrow Wilson Drive.

The portion west of Bailey Avenue was repaved a few years ago. Before it was repaved, you could argue that it was among the worst stretches of roads in Jackson.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on June 10, 2012, 09:31:54 PM
The pavement rehab project on I-20 east of Jackson is a pain in the ass...one lane traffic in each direction for nine miles.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 10, 2012, 11:07:09 PM
^^

I drove through there two weeks ago, but traffic wasn't too bad. It's not like it's in an urban area.

In Jackson-area news, Capitol Street to become a two-way street (http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120610/NEWS/206100363/Capitol-Jackson-s-main-downtown-street-become-2-way?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CHome%7Cp).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on June 11, 2012, 07:55:22 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on June 10, 2012, 11:07:09 PM
^^

I drove through there two weeks ago, but traffic wasn't too bad. It's not like it's in an urban area.

In Jackson-area news, Capitol Street to become a two-way street (http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120610/NEWS/206100363/Capitol-Jackson-s-main-downtown-street-become-2-way?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CHome%7Cp).

Even though it was through the Bienville National Forest, traffic was heavy (Friday afternoon) so it was a little crowded.  I guess it is needed, since a lot of the soil under the road bed is probably sinking due to consolidation. It looked like they were going down to sub-grade with the reconstruction.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 11, 2012, 05:09:17 PM
It was about 8-8:30 in the morning when I drove through it, so maybe that's why it wasn't too crowded.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 14, 2012, 09:45:51 PM
New Madison bridge to open Friday:

http://onlinemadison.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=25161
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on June 19, 2012, 12:14:52 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on January 05, 2012, 12:37:19 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on November 11, 2011, 10:59:36 AM
As of mid-September, the MS 9 project was approximately 44% complete and approximately 100 days ahead of schedule
On the MS 9 project between MS 6 and US 78, most of the dirt work is complete, work on the bridges is proceeding, and MDOT still anticipates it will be open to traffic by September (Jan. 1 article):
http://nems360.com/view/full_story/16955250/article-2011--Year-in-Review---Highway-9-construction-steady-on-probable-early-finish?

This article (http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Highway-9-and-15-widening-projects-near-completion/QA8AU6grlE6PiilzvnADBA.cspx) indicates that traffic should be driving on the new terrain MS 9 in about two months:

Quote
Mississippi Department of Transportation officials say work on the Highway 9 widening project should be completed by mid-August.
Officials say the work on the 10-mile stretch of highway from the interchange of Highway 278/6 near Pontotoc to Highway 78 in Sherman is 95 percent complete.
The work is currently 25 percent ahead of schedule according to MDOT.
The project is being built using a Design-Build process that covers grade, drainage, bridge, and paving work.
MDOT officials say the process accelerates the completion process and allows for the sections to be open when they are completed.

If only all construction projects moved this quickly...

Title: MS 9 Upgrade Now Open to Traffic
Post by: Grzrd on August 01, 2012, 12:33:55 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on June 19, 2012, 12:14:52 PM
Quote
Mississippi Department of Transportation officials say work on the Highway 9 widening project should be completed by mid-August.
Officials say the work on the 10-mile stretch of highway from the interchange of Highway 278/6 near Pontotoc to Highway 78 in Sherman is 95 percent complete.

On July 27, MDOT issued a press release stating that the MS 9 4-lane upgrade would open to traffic on Monday, July 30 (http://sp.gomdot.com/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c%2D924d%2D498c%2Db14e%2Daafec6dc2864&ID=364&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273):

Quote
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is pleased to announce the opening of the newly constructed State Route 9 in Lee County scheduled next week.
On Monday, July 30, 2012, the newly constructed four-lane section of State Route 9 will be open to traffic between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., from US 278/SR 6 at Pontotoc to US 78 at Sherman. Work will be ongoing on both ends of the project and at isolated areas throughout the project.

Wow, that was FAST ...  :-o
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: SSF on August 02, 2012, 12:32:41 AM
Quote from: Alex on May 01, 2012, 05:26:28 PM
I did note construction barrels in place and some earth moving equipment to the northeast of Sangani and MS-67 last month. This work cannot come soon enough as the turn lanes into the sprawly shopping center added have destroyed the fluidity of I-110 north transitioning to MS-67 north.

Highway 67 interchange project to begin this month (http://msbusiness.com/2012/03/highway-67-interchange-project-to-begin-this-month/)

Quote$7.3 million. Work is scheduled to begin in mid-March.

The project is divided into four phases. Phase one involves construction of the permanent connector roads that will be located in the northeast and northwest quadrants of the existing intersection. Temporary traffic signals and a crossover will be installed approximately 300 feet north of the existing traffic signals.

Phase two involves raising the elevation at the intersection of Sangani Boulevard and Indian River Road (near Ruby Tuesday's restaurant).

Phase three involves constructing a new overpass bridge, which will be in the same location as the existing intersection.

Phase four involves removing the temporary signals/ crossover and work to provide final roadway grading and grassing.

Also found another article on the project which lists the timetable:

MDOT to Soon Begin Major Coast Roadwork (http://www.gulfcoastnews.com/GCNnewsMDOTroadWork033012.htm)

QuoteThe project is scheduled to be completed by July 2013.

Phase 1 is complete, i traveled on the new access route to Saganaki tonight.  Phase 2 work looks to be well on its way.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on August 11, 2012, 06:08:43 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on August 01, 2012, 12:33:55 PM
On July 27, MDOT issued a press release stating that the MS 9 4-lane upgrade would open to traffic on Monday, July 30 (http://sp.gomdot.com/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c%2D924d%2D498c%2Db14e%2Daafec6dc2864&ID=364&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273):
Quote
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is pleased to announce the opening of the newly constructed State Route 9 in Lee County scheduled next week.
On Monday, July 30, 2012, the newly constructed four-lane section of State Route 9 will be open to traffic between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., from US 278/SR 6 at Pontotoc to US 78 at Sherman. Work will be ongoing on both ends of the project and at isolated areas throughout the project.

Although the road is already open to traffic, I guess the importance of the MS 9 upgrade to Toyota made the August 16 post-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony (http://sp.gomdot.com/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c%2D924d%2D498c%2Db14e%2Daafec6dc2864&ID=387&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273) a photo-op that Ray LaHood could not resist:

Quote
WHO: Northern District Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, U.S. Congressman Alan Nunnelee, Former Toyota Senior Vice President Mr. Dennis Cuneo (Managing Partner, WDC Office), and Mr. David Rumbarger of the Community Development Foundation
WHAT: A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held to celebrate the completion of State Route 9. The purpose of the project was to improve the existing transportation infrastructure on State Route 9 and to accommodate the future growth and economic development in the area. The newly constructed four-lane section of State Route 9 opened to traffic on July 30th, 2012. The project was completed ahead of schedule.
WHERE: Eutaw's Construction Lot; 2993 Dozier Hill Road, Belden, Mississippi
WHEN: Thursday, August 16, at 12 p.m. Noon
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on August 17, 2012, 11:15:34 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on August 11, 2012, 06:08:43 PM
the August 16 post-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony (http://sp.gomdot.com/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c%2D924d%2D498c%2Db14e%2Daafec6dc2864&ID=387&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273)

This TV video report (http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Highway-9-officially-opens/vy40zcY8gEa5VQLPXGaPRQ.cspx) has footage of both the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the new MS 9 section of highway itself.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on September 17, 2012, 04:49:23 PM
This article (http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/09/bumpy_ride_meager_state_highwa.html) indicates that MDOT is increasingly using chip seal instead of paving as a cost-saving measure:

Quote
It's like showing up a for a job interview in sweatpants.
That's how area elected leaders and residents feel about several south Mississippi state highways that are getting a "quick fix" known as chip seal rather than pavement. Mississippi Department of Transportation officials said they feel people's pain, but their hands are tied because of a perfect budget storm that has forced them give preference to highways that are in worse shape and more heavily traveled.
That leaves some rural highways - namely Highway 614 which runs east to west and Highway 57 which runs north to south - with chip seal and all the aggravation that comes with it: a noisy, bumpy ride and flying rocks that chip windshields ....
it costs only a fraction of what paving does.
"It's obviously not our preferred method," Jordan said. "We would love to pave everything."
It costs about $275,000 per mile to pave a two-lane highway, he said, vs. $26,500 per mile to resurface it with chip seal, he said.
Chip seal lasts five to seven years vs. about twice as long for pavement
, he said. When it's placed on a roadway, it seeps into cracks and prevents water from getting in, which causes roads to deteriorate ....

MDOT's District 6 (http://sp.gomdot.com/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c%2D924d%2D498c%2Db14e%2Daafec6dc2864&ID=512&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273) recently provided an update on a chip seal project:

Quote
District Six Chip Seal Project:
Work began in July on a project located on various routes in District Six.  Kimes & Stone Construction Company of Booneville was awarded the $8.8 million chip seal project. Crews started work along Highway 145 at Clarke County State Park and will move south through Jasper and Jones Counties over the course of the next few weeks.  The project is scheduled to be completed this fall.

Trying to make do with little money ...
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on September 18, 2012, 07:13:35 AM
The county where I am from (Walker County, AL) uses Chip Seal a lot more on roads that should be getting asphalt. As a matter of fact, chip seal is about the only thing that is put down on top of the road base, so the road doesn't last long at all. Add coal trucks to the mix and it is a disaster.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on September 18, 2012, 11:23:45 PM
^^^  That's exactly what Lincoln Parish does to pave all of their roads.  When Louisiana used chip seal on their state roads, I immediately declare that road an "over-glorified parish road"!
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on October 07, 2012, 11:40:03 PM
I-55 lanes closures north of Jackson (http://www2.wjtv.com/news/2012/oct/07/lanes-closed-i-55-ar-4706171/)

This is part of the split diamond interchange and lane expansion project.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on October 10, 2012, 11:15:57 PM
I-55 waterworks curve to be straightened out...someday (http://www.northsidesun.com/content/eventually-obstacles-prevent-mdot-straightening-waterworks-curve)

Unfortunately, this is a paid subscription site, so I can't post any more than what's there. But, at least, we have something on paper stating that it may happen. Maybe 50 years after I'm underground. But the traffic in Jackson would be a nightmare if it ever happens.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: bassoon1986 on October 11, 2012, 01:10:15 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on October 07, 2012, 11:40:03 PM
I-55 lanes closures north of Jackson (http://www2.wjtv.com/news/2012/oct/07/lanes-closed-i-55-ar-4706171/)

This is part of the split diamond interchange and lane expansion project.


Nice...the article writes about US 463 at the Madison exit. And did anyone else hear the Star Wars theme playing when they interviewed the second woman?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 17, 2012, 12:20:10 PM
So will I-55 south of Jackson be getting widened or just the noise barriers that they have proposed on the MDOT website? On that note, wouldn't sections along I-20 and the sections of I-55 north of I-20 be more deserving of sound walls?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on October 19, 2012, 12:48:56 AM
MDOT was talking about widening 55 South since the late 90s. Don't know what the holdup is.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on October 25, 2012, 12:15:33 AM
On the previous page, I mentioned that I-55 will be widened in south Jackson starting some time next year. I didn't know anything about the noise barriers. I'll go to the website to check it out.

As far as having them on I-20 and on I-55 north of I-20, perhaps, I could see one going up along I-55 at the waterworks curve (between Fortification Street & Woodrow Wilson exits) since there is a residential area bordering along the southbound side. I might could even see a slight justification through north Jackson since there is a nearby residential area. Other than that, I see no real purpose.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on October 30, 2012, 07:09:09 PM
Shifting topics a bit, I had my first chance this month to drive across Mississippi on other than I-10. My route took me from Natchez along U.S. 84 to U.S. 49, then southeast to Hattiesburg, then along U.S. 98 to Mobile. I was pretty impressed with the quality of the highways - note that I chose not to follow 98 the whole way because I was hauling a travel trailer and preferred to be on divided highways. Probably no surprise to anyone familiar with traveling through the state, but I noted the use of both 184 and 198 to mark multiple, disconnected routes that were obviously the old routings of 84 and 98. Presumably this same numbering scheme is used on other improved routes throughout the state where the state continues to maintain the old road.

One question, since our habit when traveling in this way is to pull off at picnic areas or even very wide spots on the shoulder to eat lunch. There was not a single opportunity to safely pull off of these highways anywhere. Contrast that to Texas, which even on 2-lane highways seems to have picnic areas at no more than 10 mile intervals. Are there no roadside tables, other than interstate highway rest areas, in Mississippi?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Ace10 on October 30, 2012, 09:36:12 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on October 30, 2012, 07:09:09 PM
Shifting topics a bit, I had my first chance this month to drive across Mississippi on other than I-10. My route took me from Natchez along U.S. 84 to U.S. 49, then southeast to Hattiesburg, then along U.S. 98 to Mobile. I was pretty impressed with the quality of the highways - note that I chose not to follow 98 the whole way because I was hauling a travel trailer and preferred to be on divided highways. Probably no surprise to anyone familiar with traveling through the state, but I noted the use of both 184 and 198 to mark multiple, disconnected routes that were obviously the old routings of 84 and 98. Presumably this same numbering scheme is used on other improved routes throughout the state where the state continues to maintain the old road.

One question, since our habit when traveling in this way is to pull off at picnic areas or even very wide spots on the shoulder to eat lunch. There was not a single opportunity to safely pull off of these highways anywhere. Contrast that to Texas, which even on 2-lane highways seems to have picnic areas at no more than 10 mile intervals. Are there no roadside tables, other than interstate highway rest areas, in Mississippi?

You're correct in that Mississippi numbers old US Route routings with a "1" in front of the original number. In addition to 184 and 198, there is also 178 and 149 sprinkled here and there. There are probably others out there, but I'm not very familiar with the northern part of the state since I live on the Gulf Coast.

I don't think picnic areas are a big defining feature of roads here in Mississippi, but I can only really speak for the southern part of the state. I do know of one picnic area on US 90 near the MS-LA state line, but it looks abandoned and isn't very well maintained.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: SSF on October 30, 2012, 09:39:42 PM
i've driven all through most of MS(except the Natchez area) and no, no there arent really any roadside pullovers except for rest areas.  I suppose their argument would be lack of traffic. 

Plenty of MS-145's too on the old alignment of US 45.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: agentsteel53 on October 31, 2012, 09:48:37 AM
Quote from: Ace10 on October 30, 2012, 09:36:12 PM
You're correct in that Mississippi numbers old US Route routings with a "1" in front of the original number. In addition to 184 and 198, there is also 178 and 149 sprinkled here and there. There are probably others out there, but I'm not very familiar with the northern part of the state since I live on the Gulf Coast.

old state routes also get the 1xx treatment.  2xx is also reserved in this manner.  there is a 245, which is old US-45A.  I would conjecture that there might be a similar provision for old US-49E and US-49W, to have one of them prescribed to use 249 for old alignments.

I do not know how old US-278 would be treated.  My guess is it would be 106, because all of it was MS-6 until 1952, and most of it was MS-6 until 1998.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on October 31, 2012, 06:28:46 PM
Here's a report MDOT submitted to the feds regarding the widening of I-55 South.

http://sp.gomdot.com/Environmental/Projects/Current%20Projects/District%203%20and%205/I-55%20Improvements%20--%20Copiah-Hinds%20County%20line%20to%20McDowell%20Rd/Public%20Hearing%20Materials%20%E2%80%93%20September%2013%202012/I-55%20Draft%20Environmental%20Assessment.pdf (http://sp.gomdot.com/Environmental/Projects/Current%20Projects/District%203%20and%205/I-55%20Improvements%20--%20Copiah-Hinds%20County%20line%20to%20McDowell%20Rd/Public%20Hearing%20Materials%20%E2%80%93%20September%2013%202012/I-55%20Draft%20Environmental%20Assessment.pdf)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Ace10 on November 01, 2012, 08:20:38 PM
Photos of the latest construction at I-110/MS 67 and Promenade Pkwy/Sangani Blvd. Click the photo for a full-size version.

(https://astareglobe.org/syncproof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=7040e0285f6f4950bfdc87ff40df3dbc&File=b3c30a1f708e442f8b7ace364bec70b2&Size=640) (https://astareglobe.org/syncproof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=7040e0285f6f4950bfdc87ff40df3dbc&File=b3c30a1f708e442f8b7ace364bec70b2&Size=3000)

(https://astareglobe.org/syncproof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=7040e0285f6f4950bfdc87ff40df3dbc&File=08ac41d04bde435290cfd926662126ef&Size=640) (https://astareglobe.org/syncproof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=7040e0285f6f4950bfdc87ff40df3dbc&File=08ac41d04bde435290cfd926662126ef&Size=3000)

(https://astareglobe.org/syncproof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=7040e0285f6f4950bfdc87ff40df3dbc&File=a2e8595fcabb4a849dea0bf70faa7c20&Size=640) (https://astareglobe.org/syncproof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=7040e0285f6f4950bfdc87ff40df3dbc&File=a2e8595fcabb4a849dea0bf70faa7c20&Size=3000)

(https://astareglobe.org/syncproof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=7040e0285f6f4950bfdc87ff40df3dbc&File=5db6929038684095a2b0cc0eab627768&Size=640) (https://astareglobe.org/syncproof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=7040e0285f6f4950bfdc87ff40df3dbc&File=5db6929038684095a2b0cc0eab627768&Size=3000)

(https://astareglobe.org/syncproof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=7040e0285f6f4950bfdc87ff40df3dbc&File=316ac772caad48c0a6c4e6ed1ec24fec&Size=640) (https://astareglobe.org/syncproof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=7040e0285f6f4950bfdc87ff40df3dbc&File=316ac772caad48c0a6c4e6ed1ec24fec&Size=3000)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: mcdonaat on November 02, 2012, 12:51:32 AM
When Mississippi opens their segment of I-69 near Greenville, what are the chances it will be signed as such? I'm hoping it becomes Bypass 82 so mainline 82 will remain through town.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on November 02, 2012, 07:43:19 AM
^ The 82 bypass is not part of the proposed I-69.  Froggie has a webpage with a good map showing the relationship between I-69, 82 bypass, and a proposed I-169 connecting the two routes: http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/i169.htm
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on November 04, 2012, 01:19:59 AM
I've noticed that the mile markers on I-55 in the Jackson area are now marked every quarter mile. Has this been done on all the interstates in the state?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Ace10 on November 04, 2012, 01:42:42 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on November 04, 2012, 01:19:59 AM
I've noticed that the mile markers on I-55 in the Jackson area are now marked every quarter mile. Has this been done on all the interstates in the state?

Not all interstates. I normally drive I-110 at least every other week... which, now that I think of it, I don't think I've ever seen mile markers on I-110. But I drive I-10 occasionally and didn't notice any every 1/4 mile - just the usual one per mile. So it's definitely not a statewide thing. Perhaps in major metropolitan areas (if you can consider Jackson a major metropolitan area) the state is installing them every 1/4 mile.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Ace10 on November 25, 2012, 10:27:26 AM
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/11/24/4321658/mdot-working-on-south-mississippi.html (http://www.sunherald.com/2012/11/24/4321658/mdot-working-on-south-mississippi.html)

QuoteMDOT working on South Mississippi projects

By MICHAEL NEWSOM – mmnewsom@sunherald.com

The state Department of Transportation has a host of South Mississippi projects that are either in progress or recently completed.

Three major projects recently wrapped up.

Interstate 10 was resurfaced from Diamondhead in Hancock County to the Wolf River in Harrison County. The $14.5 million job was handled by Huey Stockstill Inc. of Picayune. The project is the first part of I-10 to use "Open Graded Friction Course" style of paving, which decreases noise from tire friction and eliminates water spray from the road surface.

Gulf Equipment Corp. of Theodore, Ala., recently completed a $1.1 million upgrade that MDOT said made "geometric improvements" to the Bay St. Louis crossing of Mississippi 607 and U.S. 90.

TCB Construction Co. of Poplarville handled a $795,000 job at the crossing of West Wortham Road and U.S. 49 in Harrison County. A new traffic signal there became operational Nov. 15.

The following MDOT projects are in process or planned for South Mississippi:

Harrison County

Sangani Boulevard: Gulf Equipment in April began a $7.3 million reconfiguring of the Mississippi 67 and Sangani Boulevard crossing in D'Iberville. The job involves four phases -- road work, construction of an overpass, new traffic lights and a 5-foot-wide pedestrian walkway along the overpass. The job is scheduled to be done in July.

Harrison County bridge replacement: This month, Tanner Construction Co. of Ellisville, began a $6.8 million U.S. 49 bridge replacement over the Little Biloxi River. The project is expected to be done in March 2015.

Jackson County

Interchange: In February 2011, a large highway reconstruction project started at the U.S. 90 interchange of Mississippi 63 and Mississippi 611 in Jackson County. The Mississippi Development Authority gave Jackson County $35 million for the two-phase project. Tanner Construction is handling the $21 million first phase, which involves intersection and road improvements on 63 and 611.

Crews are also beginning to reconstruct Old Mobile Highway as part of the new 611 flyover project. The alternate route for local traffic to access U.S. 90 is Chevron Drive. Signs will warn people who are trying to get to businesses along Stennis Drive.

I-10 resurfacing: Mallette Brothers Construction of Gautier began a $12.5 million job in October to resurface 13 miles of I-10. The work will go from the Pascagoula River's western abutment to the Alabama state line. MDOT said the required lane closures will happen between Sunday and Thursday evenings. The work is expected to be complete in March.

Pearl River County

Mississippi 53 resurfacing: Warren Paving Inc. of Hattiesburg is close to finishing a resurfacing job on six miles of Mississippi 53. The job is worth $1.2 million, MDOT said.

Mississippi 43 intersection: This month, Huey Stockstill Inc. began a $480,000 improvement project at the intersection of Mississippi 43 and Beech Street in Picayune. It calls for adding turning lanes, putting in traffic signals and making improvements to the crossing that should make it safer. The job is expected to be finished in June.

Other work

MDOT said it's also given some "transportation enhancement" projects in South Mississippi. Those projects get 80 percent of the cost funded and the other 20 percent must be covered by the local groups. Time lines for finishing the projects are still being worked out.

Gautier "streetscape" and town center development: Gautier will receive $420,000 for landscaping along U.S. 90. The work includes decorative signage.

Picayune "streetscape": Picayune is eligible for up to $160,000 for improvements along Mississippi 611, Goodyear Boulevard, Main Street and the Norfolk Southern railroad. The work includes decorative street lights, park benches, trash cans, decorative planters, street signs and a water fountain.

Hancock County/Bay St. Louis beach pathway: Hancock County and Bay St. Louis will receive up to $800,000 to extend the beach pathway to Buccaneer State Park, expand "multi-use pedestrian and bicycle pathway segments" on Old Spanish Trail and Dunbar Avenue and develop rest stops and interpretive plazas along Beach Boulevard. There's also funding for a visitor center for the Beach Boulevard Scenic Byway.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: msubulldog on November 27, 2012, 10:57:31 AM
Quote from: Ace10 on November 04, 2012, 01:42:42 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on November 04, 2012, 01:19:59 AM
I've noticed that the mile markers on I-55 in the Jackson area are now marked every quarter mile. Has this been done on all the interstates in the state?

Not all interstates. I normally drive I-110 at least every other week... which, now that I think of it, I don't think I've ever seen mile markers on I-110. But I drive I-10 occasionally and didn't notice any every 1/4 mile - just the usual one per mile. So it's definitely not a statewide thing. Perhaps in major metropolitan areas (if you can consider Jackson a major metropolitan area) the state is installing them every 1/4 mile.
In many other places, they put mile markers up every tenth of a mile. To me, this is a waste of time.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on December 18, 2012, 02:10:36 PM
QuoteInterstate 10 was resurfaced from Diamondhead in Hancock County to the Wolf River in Harrison County. The $14.5 million job was handled by Huey Stockstill Inc. of Picayune. The project is the first part of I-10 to use "Open Graded Friction Course" style of paving, which decreases noise from tire friction and eliminates water spray from the road surface.

IIRC, this was the last (only?) concrete section on I-10 in Mississippi.  Kinda sad to see it go.
Title: General MDOT Updates Including MS 6 Near Tupelo
Post by: Grzrd on December 20, 2012, 01:13:55 PM
Mississippi DOT ("MDOT") has posted updates for several of its Districts (http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Public%20Affairs/Pages/News-Releases.aspx).

Quote from: Grzrd on June 08, 2012, 03:27:21 PM
This June 1, 2012 article (http://www.djournal.com/view/full_story/18821466/article-Contract-let-on-final-leg-of-new-Highway-6?instance=home_news_bullets) indicates that paving should begin in two to three weeks:
Quote
A contract has been let and paving is expected to begin within 30 days on the final 11 miles of four lane for new Mississippi Highway 6, Mississippi Department of Transportation officials confirmed this week ...
paving should begin in three to four weeks ... "The completion date is set for Oct. 1, 2013," Benson said.
Once this last segment is paved, Mississippi 6 four lane will run from Interstate 55 at Batesville to U.S. 45 four lane in Tupelo.

MDOT's District One Updates (http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c%2D924d%2D498c%2Db14e%2Daafec6dc2864&ID=684&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273) indicates that the expected completion date for the MS 6 paving project has been pushed back to June 2014:

Quote
State Route 6 Paving Project in Pontotoc and Lee Counties
A paving project on the relocated State Route 6 from State Route 342 in Pontotoc County to U.S. Highway 45 south of Tupelo in Lee County, is underway and is approximately 40% complete.  This project was let in April 2012 with a projected completion date of June 2014.  The contractor on this $26,063,700 project is APAC-Mississippi, Inc.  This is a four-lane section and will tie the relocated State Route 6 from State Route 342 in Pontotoc County into U.S. Highway 45 in Tupelo.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on January 13, 2013, 04:55:58 PM
All of the resurfacings on I-10 have been fantastic.  Very quiet drive on that asphalt.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on February 05, 2013, 01:07:17 PM
Weather has delayed the opening of the East Metro Parkway. Originally scheduled to open two weeks ago, it appears that it'll be the middle of this month before it opens to traffic, according to Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers.

http://www.wapt.com/news/central-mississippi/East-Metro-Parkway-expected-to-open-in-few-weeks/-/9156946/18401020/-/injaoez/-/index.html (http://www.wapt.com/news/central-mississippi/East-Metro-Parkway-expected-to-open-in-few-weeks/-/9156946/18401020/-/injaoez/-/index.html)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: SSF on February 05, 2013, 08:22:56 PM
Officials said crews still have some paving and stripping to do.

good God I hope not, at least with the crews I have seen.

anyways, not a surprise that weather delayed the project.  13 of the first 17 days of January there was measurable rainfall in Jackson and it finished with a 3 inch rainfall surplus over average.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on February 08, 2013, 07:00:03 AM
I was out that way over the weekend. The striping is pretty much that needs to be done. You can only go so far as the JCPenney store before being greeted with a "Road Closed" sign.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on February 08, 2013, 07:00:00 PM
Would this be the proposed parkway that'll connect I-20 with Lakeland via the east side of the airport?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on February 08, 2013, 11:01:28 PM
Yes.

BTW, the reconstructed intersection near the airport on 471 is complete. Now, you no longer have to go through the roundabout to get to US 80 or I-20.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: olemissfan on February 09, 2013, 11:52:52 AM
is it just me, or is 55 through batesville in need of widening? and that exit 243 (i think) interchange off 55 needing to be reconstructed?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on February 09, 2013, 07:32:28 PM
I wouldn't justify widening at this point. Yeah, it is a little busy, but still not enough. But that's just my opinion. I could listen to an argument for reconstruction.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on February 12, 2013, 08:18:55 AM
^ MDOT let a project (http://mdot.ms.gov/bidsystem_data/20121023/PLANDATA/101643305.pdf) in its September 25, 2012 letting for interchange improvements to that interchange.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on February 12, 2013, 08:33:24 AM
Continuing to look through some MDOT letting information, a project was also awarded in the September 25 2012 letting for the grade and drain for the MS 25 bypass of Amory. It is noted on the plan index (http://mdot.ms.gov/bidsystem_data/20120828/PLANDATA/101635301.pdf) that this will be a freeway.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lordsutch on February 12, 2013, 04:20:18 PM
Yep, this is the first stage of the Monroe County Parkway [sic] project, which by state law has to be constructed to freeway standards within the county; it's supposed to eventually extend from US 45 to the Corridor X/V interchange in Itawamba County.  I went to a public meeting on the project back around 2000 or so in Amory.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on March 13, 2013, 01:48:50 PM
East Metro Parkway opens (http://m.wapt.com/news/East-Metro-Parkway-opens-between-Flowood-Brandon/-/17424988/19280566/-/15uem9qz/-/index.html)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: msunat97 on March 19, 2013, 02:22:27 PM
Any new information on the Highway 82 / Greenville Bypass?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: pctech on March 25, 2013, 11:48:36 AM
That new pavement on I-10 west of Gulfport is nice! Repels water very well, I noticed that it makes a "singing" sound similar to rough surfaced concrete. MDOT is doing a nice job of upgrading I-10 along the gulf coast.

Mark
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on March 25, 2013, 01:30:54 PM
Quote from: pctech on March 25, 2013, 11:48:36 AM
That new pavement on I-10 west of Gulfport is nice! Repels water very well, I noticed that it makes a "singing" sound similar to rough surfaced concrete. MDOT is doing a nice job of upgrading I-10 along the gulf coast.

Mark

Sounds like Open Graded Friction Course pavement (pun intended).  :colorful:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on March 26, 2013, 08:37:49 AM
Guess that means the last stretch of I-10 original concrete (near Menge Ave/Exit 24) has been paved over.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on March 26, 2013, 09:39:05 AM
Quote from: froggie on March 26, 2013, 08:37:49 AM
Guess that means the last stretch of I-10 original concrete (near Menge Ave/Exit 24) has been paved over.
I drove I-10 Saturday and Sunday.  I believe there is still one last stretch of native concrete on the eastern end from the AL state line for (IIRC) about 20 miles.  It is still in very good condition.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: pctech on March 26, 2013, 10:40:48 AM
There is still a concrete section east of Biloxi, it ends at the causeway over the marsh. (milepost high 60's) It's still in good shape. The rest areas there have been refurbished and reopened as well. Here in Louisiana we have closed most of ours. :-(
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on March 26, 2013, 06:14:25 PM
I believe I know the area you're talking about....the Escatawpa basin.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on March 30, 2013, 02:34:12 AM
For those of you who do not know I-20 between Hwy 18 in West part of Jackson and Clinton is two lanes. The road is eroding away at the Mc Raven Rd overpass because of Yazoo Clay and Mdot had to do an emergency contact to do a temporary fix of the roadway. This TV report will give you all the info:

http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/21823480/i-20-repair-is-just-a-temporary-fix 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: pctech on April 01, 2013, 09:53:57 AM
What is Yazoo clay?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on April 02, 2013, 03:43:10 AM
It is the type of soil that is most common in Mississippi. This type of soil has caused problems in the past on Mississippi's roadways.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on April 02, 2013, 05:22:34 AM
Nasty stuff.  Acidic.  Doesn't settle easily (if at all).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: pctech on April 02, 2013, 07:46:33 AM
Is there an engineering work around for yazoo clay? Here in south Louisiana the soils present road building issues. (of which LADODT seems clueless about dealing with)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 02, 2013, 08:20:15 AM
I wished there were soil borings from the area to look at. I wonder how deep the clay layer goes. I imagine it goes for quite a way.

I suppose one thing you could do is put a lot of base down and spread it out well beyond the footprint of the travel lanes and shoulders to try and distribute the weight of the roadway and the vehicles as much as possible to mitigate settlement. You could also undercut the clay, but it depends on how deep it goes whether that's practical.

I wonder if the recent storms have anything to do with this? Yazoo clay is very plastic and expansive, so maybe the soil absorbed a lot of water.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 02, 2013, 08:54:22 AM
For those that are interested, here (http://www.dfa.state.ms.us/Content/BidsandRFPs/MEMSTAD101.pdf) is a geotechnical report for the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium that includes soil boring information and other engineering information about Yazoo Clay. The Yazoo Clay goes very deep, so you can't undercut all of it. As a matter of fact, the more you undercut, the more risk you have of disturbing the unweathered Yazoo clay which could cause it to swell.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on April 05, 2013, 07:30:04 PM
Quote from: richllewis on March 30, 2013, 02:34:12 AM
For those of you who do not know I-20 between Hwy 18 in West part of Jackson and Clinton is two lanes. The road is eroding away at the Mc Raven Rd overpass because of Yazoo Clay and Mdot had to do an emergency contact to do a temporary fix of the roadway. This TV report will give you all the info:

http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/21823480/i-20-repair-is-just-a-temporary-fix 

I travel this section of I-20 daily.  Yazoo clay is a highly expansive type of clay.  It has a high shrink/swell potential, and it is the prime reason the roads in the region are very lumpy and older buildings have foundation problems.  It is bad soil by any measure.

MDOT brought over the contractor that rebuilt MM 80 to 91 to install the emergency crossover lane and median barriers shown in the TV report.  MM 80 to 91 was dug up 3 to 4 feet deep and reconstructed from scratch over the past 2 years one side at a time.  The I-20 WB on ramp at MS 18 had to be closed because the emergency crossover was built east of the on-ramp, leaving nowhere to merge traffic.

When MDOT repaired the McRaven Rd slide several years ago, they widended the McRaven Rd bridge in the median to allow for the installation of detour lanes for each direction and left the bridge in place for future interstate widening (http://goo.gl/maps/GjD0c).  That decision turned out to be a great decision.  After the emergency crossover lanes to preserve at least one lane of traffic was opened, an emergency contract was let to construct new long-term detour westbound lanes in the median to bypass the failure area and install h-beams past the shoulder to shore the roadway.  The median was excavated several feet to remove all soil; the soil was replaced with crushed concrete (no dirt).  The median bridge will be used as part of the long term detour.  Work has continued 24/7 to beat the 10 day deadline.  As of last night, the striping and long term construction signs were in place, but the new lanes were not open.  I took US 80 this morning, but I presume that the detour lanes opened today or will open tomorrow.  This segment of I-20 is slated to be widened to 6 lanes in the coming years.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on April 05, 2013, 07:48:30 PM
Quote from: Ace10 on November 04, 2012, 01:42:42 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on November 04, 2012, 01:19:59 AM
I've noticed that the mile markers on I-55 in the Jackson area are now marked every quarter mile. Has this been done on all the interstates in the state?

Not all interstates. I normally drive I-110 at least every other week... which, now that I think of it, I don't think I've ever seen mile markers on I-110. But I drive I-10 occasionally and didn't notice any every 1/4 mile - just the usual one per mile. So it's definitely not a statewide thing. Perhaps in major metropolitan areas (if you can consider Jackson a major metropolitan area) the state is installing them every 1/4 mile.

MDOT has a contract underway to replace most of the interstate signage in Jackson (the I-20/55/220 "loop" except for newer signs at the I-20/55/US 49 Stack interchange and I-220 Exit 3).  As part of the project, they replaced the mile posts with quater-mile posts, replaced a number of old overhead trusses, properly signed US 49 at each exit, and eliminated the US 51 signs off of State Street between I-20 and US 80.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on April 06, 2013, 09:46:32 AM
Why was the US 51 signs removed? Was it truncated somewhere?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Chris on April 06, 2013, 01:47:31 PM
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19850106&id=trUfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iNcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1319,549485

Interesting 1985 newspaper article about the Yazoo clay.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 06, 2013, 08:47:01 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 06, 2013, 09:46:32 AM
Why was the US 51 signs removed? Was it truncated somewhere?

I could never figure this out. It's as if the highway just disappeared through Jackson, only for it to reappear out of thin air in Ridgeland. For a while, the State Street exit was signed as U.S. 51, but that's disappeared from the overhead signs.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on April 07, 2013, 06:54:52 AM
Many years ago (at least 2 decades ago...likely longer), MDOT moved US 51 onto I-55 through Jackson, but never bothered signing it along I-55.  That they continued to sign the "state maintained" part of State St connecting to I-55 South as US 51 further muddied the waters.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 11, 2013, 12:27:44 AM
I think it may've happened in the early 90s. I recall seeing US 51 signs on State Street in the Fondren area (when it was four-laned) during that time.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on April 16, 2013, 12:47:54 PM
Quote from: froggie on April 07, 2013, 06:54:52 AM
Many years ago (at least 2 decades ago...likely longer), MDOT moved US 51 onto I-55 through Jackson, but never bothered signing it along I-55.  That they continued to sign the "state maintained" part of State St connecting to I-55 South as US 51 further muddied the waters.

Officially, the transfer of State St between US 80 and then-US 49 (Woodrow Wilson Ave) from MSHD to the city occurred in 1974.  North of Woodrow Wilson, the transfer happened in the 1950's when MSHD built a new 4-lane US 51 from the intersection of US 49 & 51 (State St & Woodrow Wilson Ave) east then north to the Madison County line.  That 4-lane road eventually became Woodrow Wilson Ave from State St to I-55 and I-55 from Exit 98A to 103.

Removal of state highway signs was not done in a timely manner way back when.  There are (were?) still some old colored US and triangle state highway signs in downtown Greenwood as of a few years ago.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on April 24, 2013, 12:42:33 PM
Quote from: richllewis on April 02, 2013, 03:43:10 AM
It is the type of soil that is most common in Mississippi. This type of soil has caused problems in the past on Mississippi's roadways.

I don't think it is found in the Mississippi Delta, which also has unstable soil.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on May 07, 2013, 11:27:37 PM
It was reported by MDOT that they were doing some construction to widen the Railroad bridge over the KCS -Meridian Speedway line near Lost Gap, MS. If you do not know where Lost Gap is, the railroad goes under I-20 that is right before you get to HWY 80 coming from Jackson or after Hwy 80 coming from Meridian. There is a Truck stop on 80 before 80 merges on to I-20 at Lost Gap to go to Meridian. Please drive slowly in this area as all work zones.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: SSF on May 08, 2013, 12:52:26 AM
Drove through there tonight, wondered what the work was, and how the project had started up so quickly.

Mercifully, most of the bridge projects seem to be done or close to done so traffic will be smooth for that 80 mile stretch between the 20/59 split and Jackson.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on May 08, 2013, 07:20:29 AM
That work reminds me of what was done on I-59 in Pearl River County; adding shoulders to the existing bridges.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on May 21, 2013, 01:05:16 AM
Today, MDOT is going to start widening I-55 from Jackson to Byrum. They are going to widen I-55 from 4 to 6 lanes.This article: http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/22285291/mdot-to-begin-widening-and-reconstruction-of-i-55-in-hinds-county-jackson-miss-friday-may-17-2013-beginning-monday-may-20-the-mississippi-department  tells a little bit about the story I-55 will be widened from 4 to six lanes from Mc Dowell Rd in Jackson to Siwell Rd in Byrum. The project will be concluded by 2015
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on May 21, 2013, 10:24:20 PM
Quote from: richllewis on May 21, 2013, 01:05:16 AM
Today, MDOT is going to start widening I-55 from Jackson to Byrum. They are going to widen I-55 from 4 to 6 lanes.This article: http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/22285291/mdot-to-begin-widening-and-reconstruction-of-i-55-in-hinds-county-jackson-miss-friday-may-17-2013-beginning-monday-may-20-the-mississippi-department  tells a little bit about the story I-55 will be widened from 4 to six lanes from Mc Dowell Rd in Jackson to Siwell Rd in Byrum. The project will be concluded by 2015

YES!!!!! *pumps fist*

Took them long enough to get it together. They're probably raising the Elton Road overpass and widening the McDowell Road overpass.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on May 22, 2013, 02:57:08 AM
I'd have preferred seeing them fix the rest of the 20/55 duplex (west of the Stack) first.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 22, 2013, 10:20:39 AM
^^
Or the I-20 curve over Valley Street.

I drove down I-55 earlier tonight, but there's no sign of construction work being done. I'm sure it'll ramp up over the next few days, though.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on May 23, 2013, 04:11:22 AM
One could also make a strong argument for improving I-55 at the Waterworks Curve before widening it south of McDowell.  Waterworks Curve has long been the bigger tie-up point, especially when it rains.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 23, 2013, 10:39:50 PM
I agree, but something like that will likely be decades from reality. It would require eminent domain due to homes in the Belhaven area and possibly the Woodrow Wilson ramp connecting to I-55 northbound.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on May 24, 2013, 03:45:55 AM
Nothing that hasn't been done before.  The I-59 project in Laurel required eminent domain.  So will the upcoming I-10/110 project.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on May 26, 2013, 01:20:30 AM
Quote from: froggie on May 24, 2013, 03:45:55 AM
Nothing that hasn't been done before.  The I-59 project in Laurel required eminent domain.  So will the upcoming I-10/110 project.

..but think of the politics involved in clearing a housing project (I-59) vs clearing historic upper/upper middle class homes (I-55) for highway construction. One is considered a good deed by the masses, the latter, well......
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 02, 2013, 12:53:24 AM
Elton Road bridge over I-55 to be closed Monday; rebuilt for I-55 widening project:

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130601/NEWS/130601013/Elton-Road-overpass-close-55-widening-work-Hinds
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on June 02, 2013, 09:42:49 AM
Quote from: rel4 on April 16, 2013, 12:47:54 PM

Removal of state highway signs was not done in a timely manner way back when.  There are (were?) still some old colored US and triangle state highway signs in downtown Greenwood as of a few years ago.

"Were". I think one set for 49E/82 remains on a side street, but the 3-sign assembly disappeared sometime in 2008 or 2009.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.staticflickr.com%2F2404%2F2344385902_e1345fac3b_z_d.jpg&hash=16f7fb027f2fb38f742348e36d97bc3fc33e8280)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 05, 2013, 12:12:39 AM
Southbound I-55 has been reduced to one lane from McDowell Road to just past Elton Road as the widening project gets underway.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on June 22, 2013, 07:40:54 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on December 20, 2012, 01:13:55 PM
MDOT's District One Updates (http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c%2D924d%2D498c%2Db14e%2Daafec6dc2864&ID=684&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273) indicates that the expected completion date for the MS 6 paving project has been pushed back to June 2014

This June 5 MDOT video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6Fo8WcGNWY) has some good footage of the current paving project and reports that the expected completion date is still June 2014.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on July 11, 2013, 06:21:13 AM
There are going to be hearings on the Road System in Mississippi. The article states that Mississippi does not have enough money for new highways as well as maintenance of the system. Public hearings will be held throughout the state. The article is at:

http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/22808269/state-task-force-on-highways-will-hold-town-hall-meetings
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on July 20, 2013, 05:11:31 AM
There will be constructed a new hurricane evacuation route for Hancock County. More on this story at:

http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20130720/NEWS01/307200028/Construction-begins-hurricane-evacuation-route
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on July 20, 2013, 09:37:19 AM
That would be the last leg of the MS 607 widening between I-10 and I-59.  They previously widened it through Stennis Space Center, up to where MDOT officially "takes over" a couple miles north of the north gate at Texas Flat Rd.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on July 24, 2013, 11:37:18 AM
So does anybody know any details about the widening of US 49 S in metro Jackson?  After reporting on a fatal wreck at one of the more dangerous turn-around plazas yesterday, the channel 12 ten o'clock news report last night mentioned briefly that widening on 49 will begin soon and some of the turnarounds will be closed.

I checked the new-and-more-dreadful gomdot.com and couldn't find anything about it.  I'm just wondering if anybody knows when "soon" is supposed to be?  Last report I heard, couple years ago I guess, had it that the new road will be six-laned from Florence north, eight-laned from about Walmart Richland north.  Is that still true?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: NE2 on July 24, 2013, 02:51:52 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 20, 2013, 09:37:19 AM
That would be the last leg of the MS 607 widening between I-10 and I-59.  They previously widened it through Stennis Space Center, up to where MDOT officially "takes over" a couple miles north of the north gate at Texas Flat Rd.
Is MS 607 open to the public? It's the shortest alternate to I-59 for cyclists heading down US 11.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on July 28, 2013, 04:33:51 AM
Unless things have changed since I left Stennis in 2008, it's only open to the public during hurricane evacuation.  NASA employees and active duty military can pass through anytime...not sure about military retirees.

Yes, a big PITA for bikes.  The only nearby bike alternative is Texas Flat Rd to MS 43 to US 90, but that adds at least 20 miles (if not more).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on September 02, 2013, 11:58:30 PM
Construction is now underway for an interchange on I-10 at D'Iberville Blvd just west of I-110 interchange.  This should really be a great relief valve for the shopping center.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 03, 2013, 12:01:04 AM
IIRC, the plans for I-10/110 included half-interchanges to the local road system to the west, south, and east, plus the under construction full interchange at Santini (sp?) Blvd on MS 15/67.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on September 03, 2013, 12:04:23 AM
The interchange on Sangani Blvd. is complete.  The maps aren't updated on Google, but you can see from a construction-era aerial what the setup is... basically a folded interchange.  15/67 doesn't stop IIRC.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on September 03, 2013, 10:16:27 AM
Bryant (a.k.a. Southern Roadgeek) did a video (http://youtu.be/HpNoz0pj71U) of the newly-completed interchange at MS 15/67 and Sangani Blvd.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on September 07, 2013, 12:55:24 PM
Quote from: richllewis on July 11, 2013, 06:21:13 AM
There are going to be hearings on the Road System in Mississippi. The article states that Mississippi does not have enough money for new highways as well as maintenance of the system. Public hearings will be held throughout the state. The article is at:
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/22808269/state-task-force-on-highways-will-hold-town-hall-meetings

As previously posted in the "I-69 in MS" thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4783.msg245484#msg245484), MDOT prepared an August 8 Transportation Update (http://www.usm.edu/sites/default/files/groups/center-logistics-trade-and-transportation/pdf/mdot_transportation_update-low-resolution.pdf) for the Task Force. Other Task Force documents can be found here (http://www.usm.edu/logistics-trade-transportation/highways-and-transportation-task-force).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on September 10, 2013, 12:27:03 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on September 07, 2013, 12:55:24 PM
As previously posted in the "I-69 in MS" thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4783.msg245484#msg245484), MDOT prepared an August 8 Transportation Update (http://www.usm.edu/sites/default/files/groups/center-logistics-trade-and-transportation/pdf/mdot_transportation_update-low-resolution.pdf) for the Task Force. Other Task Force documents can be found here (http://www.usm.edu/logistics-trade-transportation/highways-and-transportation-task-force).
Quote from: codyg1985 on September 10, 2013, 08:41:25 AM
Looks like MDOT really wants to get I-10 widened through most of the state.
(above quote from I-69 in MS  (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4783.msg246087#msg246087) thread)

The June 12 Transportation Needs Legislative Update (http://www.usm.edu/sites/default/files/groups/center-logistics-trade-and-transportation/pdf/mdot_transportation_needs_highres_2.pdf) lists "Widen 1-10 across the state" as an unfunded immediate capacity need and also describes the US 49 upgrade from Jackson to the Coast as being an "interstate" immediate capacity need (page 18/26 of pdf):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fqb1EyAR.png&hash=fb561415c076dcc31364606388b4f0a2e50f9060)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on September 11, 2013, 02:29:40 AM
The presentation put out by MDOT enumerating needs is just another way of drumming up support for funding  in the Mississippi Legislature. Frankly I smell a tax increase in the works. And I suppose that MDOT will get some more money related to HB 481. This bill as passed by the legislature concerned DUI's and DUI adjudication and DUI interlock devices and Drivers license fees for these devices. I do not know if increased taxes will pass muster with the Governor we have since he is against raising Taxes. But Roads will have to be fixed, widened, and new roads need construction money so someone will come up with something to provide funding for MDOT
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 11, 2013, 04:15:08 AM
(finally saw the list on pg 74)

Glad to see US 11 in Picayune on the list (Hobolochitto Crk to Hide-A-Way Lake Rd).  It's been a traffic mess ever since Katrina pushed a lot of people into the Picayune area.  I-55 Terry-to-Byram and US 49 north of Florence would also be useful.  The remainder of that list is basically "nice-to-haves" but contrary to what MDOT says aren't REALLY needed for capacity.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on September 21, 2013, 07:36:15 PM
Ran across this and wanted to share.  This interchange was heavily modified a long time ago.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv226%2Fberberry%2Fimage_zpscb04a40a.jpg&hash=5d18819e2f83d39829ecbae60cfa13291714ecff)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on September 22, 2013, 11:19:17 PM
Also this is before I-20 and I-55 came on the scene
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 23, 2013, 12:59:02 AM
That'd be where US 80 crosses State St.  Unless things have changed since 2008, the only modification to that immediate area was State St/"US 51" was extended south in the late '50s to tie into the then-new I-55 South.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on September 23, 2013, 07:38:58 AM
Yes, that is the change I was talking about, froggie.  That change meant considerable differences for the interchange, which before was entirely absent of left turns.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 23, 2013, 08:36:46 AM
Depends on how you define that northern ramp intersection where the westbound US 80 ramps meet State St.  The postcard suggests a veering V-intersection, whereas the pavement condition as of a few years ago suggests the existing T-intersection was the original intersection.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on October 27, 2013, 10:17:25 AM
Another change is that the railroad underneath US 80 is abandoned.  I used that intersection earlier this year and noticed the rotten wood trestle and tracks are still there.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on November 18, 2013, 08:37:19 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on September 07, 2013, 12:55:24 PM
Other Task Force documents can be found here (http://www.usm.edu/logistics-trade-transportation/highways-and-transportation-task-force).
Quote from: richllewis on September 11, 2013, 02:29:40 AM
The presentation put out by MDOT enumerating needs is just another way of drumming up support for funding  in the Mississippi Legislature. Frankly I smell a tax increase in the works.

The Task Force recently issued a Status Report to the SR 7 Study Committee (http://www.usm.edu/sites/default/files/groups/center-logistics-trade-and-transportation/pdf/statusreportforst7studycommitee.pdf).  It discusses several different types of tax alternatives.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on November 29, 2013, 02:47:16 AM
There was a Report on the WLBT 10 PM Report that said that MDOT was getting two grants concerning the I-20 Bridge across the Mississippi River at Vicksburg. They are thinking about installing Radar along the I-20 bridge to ward off Tow Boat and Barge accidents near the I-20 bridge across the Mississippi River and another Grant for Jacking up the I-20 Bridge across the Mississippi River.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on December 17, 2013, 09:22:32 PM
Designs for the new Popps Ferry Road bridge over the Back Bay of Biloxi have changed. Instead of a drawbridge, designs call for a high rise 95 feet above the water. It also means more than 75 parcels of land will be needed. The cost? $100 million plus, which hasn't been found yet.

http://www.wlox.com/story/24245047/engineers-change-design-of-the-new-popps-ferry-bridge?utm_content=buffer6435e&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=Buffer (http://www.wlox.com/story/24245047/engineers-change-design-of-the-new-popps-ferry-bridge?utm_content=buffer6435e&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=Buffer)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on January 15, 2014, 09:17:26 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on November 20, 2013, 11:45:29 AM
In this September 10 guest column (http://www.deltabusinessjournal.com/index.php/guest-column-a-taxing-problem-sp-1632091666.html),  Dick Hall, transportation commissioner of the Central District for the state of Mississippi ... :
Quote
the cost of highway construction has increased 300 percent while the revenue available to cover this cost has only increased 30 percent.
I don't care what kind of business you are trying to run.  Those numbers won't work.
(above quote from I-69 in MS (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4783.msg260236#msg260236) thread)

The Mississippi Legislature's PEER Committee (http://www.peer.state.ms.us/) recently reviewed MDOT's operations and basically concluded that it is well run and really does need more money to properly do its job.

Executive Summary: http://www.peer.state.ms.us/581.html
Full text: http://www.peer.state.ms.us/reports/rpt581.pdf

This article about the report (http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20140115/NEWS01/301150021/PEER-MDOT-needs-more-money) includes some comments about it from Dick Hall:

Quote
Supporters of raising taxes for roads and bridges say a legislative watchdog's report on the Mississippi Department of Transportation doesn't change their tack.
"I don't see any zingers in it,"  said Central District Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall. "In an operation with 3,500 employees and a $1 billion budget, there's always going to be some room for improvement. But I didn't see anything that says it's being mismanaged."
The report by the PEER Committee says MDOT could make improvements in efficiency and transparency, but agrees the agency needs more money to keep roadways from crumbling.
Hall and others have said the state needs more money to fix and maintain roads and that the situation is becoming dire. But Gov. Phil Bryant and lawmakers, particularly the GOP legislative leadership, are opposed to raising taxes. Some have questioned whether MDOT is being run efficiently.
"Nothing in the report surprised me,"  said House Transportation Chairman Robert L. Johnson III, D-Natchez. "What I was most apprehensive about, the complaint you most often hear, is that MDOT is not transparent and doesn't do a fair job in prioritizing projects. PEER showed it's not as bad as some people make it out. They validated the assertion that we need more money for roads. ... And now, MDOT is an open book, one less thing to explain."
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on January 17, 2014, 05:06:28 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on November 18, 2013, 08:37:19 PM
The Task Force recently issued a Status Report to the SR 7 Study Committee (http://www.usm.edu/sites/default/files/groups/center-logistics-trade-and-transportation/pdf/statusreportforst7studycommitee.pdf).  It discusses several different types of tax alternatives.

This article (http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/01/17/head-special-transportation-panel-insists-going-accept-failure/) reports that the Task Force will present its findings to the Legislature in approximately two weeks, but it is already looking like they will have a difficult time persuading legislators:

Quote
Media reports speculate the Senate Highways and Transportation Special Committee recommendations for funding road and bridge maintenance will wind up in the circular file almost as soon as the chair of the Senate Highway Appropriations Committee presents them.
The chairman, Cleveland Democratic Sen. Willie Simmons, has read the news reports that the six months of effort by his task force of lawmakers and business leaders with a stake in the transportation issue has already fizzled out. He's not saying the reports are incorrect, but he insists the special committee is quite serious about getting something done on road and bridge maintenance.
"I can say there is not a lot of support in the Capitol for raising taxes,"  he said in an interview at the start of the 2014 legislative session. But the committee is "not going to accept failure at this point and say nothing is going to be done."
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, the traffic cop for Senate legislation, has said he is willing to consider putting transportation maintenance in a bond bill but won't accept consideration of new fees or taxes, including changing the 18.5 cents a gallon gas tax that has been in place since 1987.
The bond bill, which would also have to cover other pressing state needs, must come in at $200 million or below to get Reeves' support.

Simmons said it will be at least a couple of more weeks before the transportation panel presents its report. One key conclusion, however, is that no single tax or fee will be sufficient for meeting the state's estimated $500 million backlog in current road and bridge upkeep needs. Nor would a single source be enough to cover future needs beyond the current deficit, Simmons said.

Farmers and poultry processors would like to follow the recent Arkansas example of raising the sales tax:

Quote
The heads of two key stakeholder groups – farmers and poultry processors – say they would look favorably at following the example of Arkansas solution for catching up with unmet road and bridge maintenance. The neighboring state's voters in November approved a decade-long half-cent sales tax with exemptions for groceries and drugs.
Arkansas' half-cent sales tax is appealing because "it kind of gets everybody,"  Randy Knight, president of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, said in an interview late last year.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on January 17, 2014, 06:53:15 PM
I can see that to fund highways is going to be a political hot potato.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on January 17, 2014, 07:08:51 PM
In short, if they refuse to do anything about the funding, then road improvements must not be a priority of the state Legislature...
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on January 20, 2014, 03:49:51 AM
There is ONE priority and one priority only in the Mississippi legislature, and it has absolutely nothing to do with road improvements.  The ONLY priority is to defy the federal government.  Legislators are far more pre-occupied with finding ways to nullify certain federal laws in the state.  They don't care about highways.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on January 21, 2014, 06:36:30 AM
Quote from: berberry on January 20, 2014, 03:49:51 AM
There is ONE priority and one priority only in the Mississippi legislature, and it has absolutely nothing to do with road improvements.  The ONLY priority is to defy the federal government.  Legislators are far more pre-occupied with finding ways to nullify certain federal laws in the state.  They don't care about highways.

Same thing with Alabama. Our Governor made it clear in his State of the State address last week. The city of Huntsville had to pass a 1% sales tax increase in order to get ALDOT to match $125 million over five years for some of our road projects, and part of me wonders if ALDOT can even hold up to their end of the deal.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alps on January 21, 2014, 07:32:45 PM
No more politics. Not in this thread, not anywhere, unless it is SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO ROADS. Thank you. ~S
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rcm195 on January 21, 2014, 08:41:59 PM
Fine. But prove to me that the state governments of Mississippi and Alabama have an agenda to withhold money for road improvements just to get back at the federal govt. Most road construction money is pork and gravy that politicians love to get and show off.
Look, I live in Walker Co. Alabama. If I could, I'd repave every state and federal road in the county every year. But that's not possible, and we all know that. How about for once we make due with what we have instead of wishing for everything we want.
That's all I'll say on my soapbox, and stick to roads. No hard feeling I trust.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on January 21, 2014, 10:03:29 PM
QuoteNo more politics. Not in this thread, not anywhere, unless it is SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO ROADS. Thank you. ~S

In this case, it was.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alps on January 22, 2014, 01:12:58 AM
Quote from: froggie on January 21, 2014, 10:03:29 PM
QuoteNo more politics. Not in this thread, not anywhere, unless it is SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO ROADS. Thank you. ~S

In this case, it was.

Not the various posts I had to move. The ones I kept, yes.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alps on January 22, 2014, 01:13:28 AM
Quote from: rcm195 on January 21, 2014, 08:41:59 PM
Fine. But prove to me that the state governments of Mississippi and Alabama have an agenda to withhold money for road improvements just to get back at the federal govt. Most road construction money is pork and gravy that politicians love to get and show off.
Look, I live in Walker Co. Alabama. If I could, I'd repave every state and federal road in the county every year. But that's not possible, and we all know that. How about for once we make due with what we have instead of wishing for everything we want.
That's all I'll say on my soapbox, and stick to roads. No hard feeling I trust.
Everything you said there, I can agree with. Thank you for bringing it back on topic.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on January 22, 2014, 05:13:58 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on September 07, 2013, 12:55:24 PM
Other Task Force documents can be found here (http://www.usm.edu/logistics-trade-transportation/highways-and-transportation-task-force).
Quote from: froggie on January 17, 2014, 07:08:51 PM
In short, if they refuse to do anything about the funding, then road improvements must not be a priority of the state Legislature...

This article (http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/01/22/transportation-task-force-provides-funding-answers/) reports that not even the Task Force itself, which concluded its work yesterday, could offer funding solutions:

Quote
A transportation study task force has concluded that the state does not generate enough money to take care of its highway needs.
But the task force, which completed its work yesterday, offered no funding solution.

Senate Transportation Chairman Willie Simmons, D-Cleveland, who headed the task force, had hoped that the panel would reach consensus on a revenue source for transportation improvements.
Simmons tells the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal that the task force's report will be presented to the Legislature where he will work "to develop a plan to improve our roads and bridges to prevent a tragedy from occurring in the future."
The final report found that 25 percent or, 20,000 miles, of highways are in "very poor condition"  and that $400 million is needed annually for highway improvements.

Pretty much a fail.............................
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on January 22, 2014, 05:16:02 PM
I'm about ready, whenever Mississippi is to widen another segment of i-10 which I believe goes east to exit 57.  Just my feelings. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on January 22, 2014, 05:45:03 PM
^ It will be fun to see if Alabama or Mississippi can get to the state line first with their respective I-10 widening efforts.

As for the funding situation, both states are facing similar highway funding woes with no real solutions in sight. Neither state seems willing to consider some form of tolling or express lanes to make interstate upgrades happen faster.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on January 23, 2014, 02:42:17 AM
 There was a story on the WLBT 6PM report mentioning the bridges on I-55 south in Jackson and the bridge at 463 and I-55 north in Madison. It said that the two south bridges were going to be rebuilt. I think one of them was at Savanna St in south Jackson and there was another bridge going over I-55 south.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on January 23, 2014, 08:45:41 AM
I'm not sure why Alabama doesn't  "get it over with" and get the widening to Mississippi first.   The AL segment is congested with the I-65 and I-10 flow and they just have 14 miles to go.  I know, money. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on January 23, 2014, 11:48:18 AM
QuoteNeither state seems willing to consider some form of tolling or express lanes to make interstate upgrades happen faster.

Outside of a few select bottlenecks in Jackson, Mississippi doesn't have the recurring congestion that would make tolled express lanes viable.  The only way they could make tolling work on I-10 is if they tolled ALL the lanes on I-10.  And that would both A) raise a howl from Gulf Coast residents, and B) not be legal under current Federal law anyway, since the 3 pilot projects that would allow for such are already "taken".

One way around (B) would be if they were to widen the Pearl and Pascagoula River bridges and impose tolls on the bridges....Federal law is more open to tolls on bridges and tunnels on the Interstate system.  But that would still raise a stink with local residents and trucking groups.

QuoteI'm not sure why Alabama doesn't  "get it over with" and get the widening to Mississippi first.   The AL segment is congested with the I-65 and I-10 flow and they just have 14 miles to go.  I know, money. 

Yes, money.  Alabama relies even more on Federal highway funding than Mississippi does.  And with that spigot rapidly running dry....
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on January 26, 2014, 09:20:27 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on January 22, 2014, 05:13:58 PM
This article (http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/01/22/transportation-task-force-provides-funding-answers/) reports that not even the Task Force itself, which concluded its work yesterday, could offer funding solutions

Here is the report that the Task Force presented to the Mississippi Senate:

http://www.usm.edu/sites/default/files/groups/center-logistics-trade-and-transportation/pdf/recommendations_of_the_sr_hwy_study_committee.pdf
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on March 01, 2014, 01:16:45 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on January 22, 2014, 05:13:58 PM
This article (http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/01/22/transportation-task-force-provides-funding-answers/) reports that not even the Task Force itself, which concluded its work yesterday, could offer funding solutions

This article (http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/f2f66c43bbd24960b4f8e6654dee9dd1/MS-XGR--Transportation-Funding) reports that the next possible funding solution may not be proposed until 2016:

Quote
Proponents of increased Mississippi highway funding aren't just going to be waiting until 2015.
They'll probably be waiting until 2016.
A recent legislative watchdog report agreed with Department of Transportation leaders that the state needs hundreds of millions of dollars more each year to maintain existing highways. But with Gov. Phil Bryant and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves explicitly ruling out an increase in fuel taxes, money-raising proposals have gotten nowhere in the 2014 Legislature.
The Mississippi Economic Council plans a study looking for solutions to the state's funding shortfall, but won't make recommendations until after the 2015 state elections. Scott Waller, the executive vice president of that state chamber of commerce, confirmed plans for the study Wednesday at an MEC meeting to discuss transportation issues ....
Waller said results would come out in late 2015, with MEC planning to submit them to the 2016 Legislature. Top state leaders may put the issue on the shelf until then, although some lawmakers are kicking back against a multiyear delay ...

Looks like projects in "deep freeze" will remain in "deep freeze" for a significant period of time.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on March 05, 2014, 07:29:59 PM
Quote from: richllewis on January 23, 2014, 02:42:17 AM
There was a story on the WLBT 6PM report mentioning the bridges on I-55 south in Jackson and the bridge at 463 and I-55 north in Madison. It said that the two south bridges were going to be rebuilt. I think one of them was at Savanna St in south Jackson and there was another bridge going over I-55 south.

The bridge at Elton Road is being rebuilt. I-55 is rather narrow going through there as it was. I'm planning on going to New Orleans this weekend, so I'll see how things are progressing on my way there.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on April 03, 2014, 01:54:26 AM
The following article states that MDOT got $32,000,000 appropriated on condition that tax revenues do not falter. I do not know how much this helps but time will tell. The following article is at:

http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/25149416/miss-lawmakers-finish-budget-end-2014-session
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on April 08, 2014, 10:52:12 PM
The last rain storm Central Mississippi had threatened to close some roads. Perhaps the worst I saw was US 49 flooded in Simpson County at the Strong River bridge north of Mendenhall, MS. Also, MS 13 was flooded 1 mile north of Mendenhall, MS. It will take a few days for the water to recede. Those of you that got buckets of rain flooding rivers and streams, be careful out there.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on April 09, 2014, 07:01:04 PM
This was in the Scott County (Forest, MS) Times (behind paywall) on the ninth of  April by columnist Sid Salter.  If you look around Mississippi's newspapers in the next few days you may find a version of this column anywhere from today to Sunday that does not come behind a paywall.

Quote

States exploring all options over road and bridge repair funding

By SID SALTER

While there were a number of legislative victories during the 2014 session of the Mississippi Legislature, lawmakers could not reach agreement on a long term fix for an old problem – the fact that the revenue structure for funding road and bridge construction and repair in Mississippi isn't keeping pace with the projected costs of the state's needs.

Mississippi is neither alone in the policy dilemma nor alone in the decision to kick the can down the political road for another year. But nationally, a number of states are beginning to be forced to deal with the issue – even if those states have to entertain tax increases.

Arkansas left their gas tax alone, but put on a half-cent sales tax for a decade to fund unmet needs in highway and bridge construction and maintenance.

Six states and the District of Columbia have raised gasoline taxes recently to address the same problem in their states. Delaware is the latest state to examine a gasoline tax hike. At least 11 states are partnering with private firms to build highways and bridges that will essentially become tolls roads.

Some states are implementing complex variable gas tax rates that are tied to market prices. It's been a mixed bag, but the overall themes in these states have been remarkably like Mississippi's woes.

Mississippi has about 4,700 miles of highways in dire need of repair at an estimated current cost of nearly $1 billion, according to Central District Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall.

One of the biggest public policy and economic misconceptions in Mississippi is the notion that as gas prices have skyrocketed, state gas tax revenues have risen along with them. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Mississippi's 18.4 cents per gallon gas tax (CPG) is a flat tax. When we paid $1 a gallon for gas, the tax was 18.4 CPG. When we pay $3.60 per gallon at the pump, the state tax is still 18.4 CPG. The only way the state takes in more revenue in gas taxes is for the volume of gas consumed to increase.

The state's 18.4 CPG gas tax was last raised in 1987. According to a report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, Mississippi's flat gas tax isn't keeping pace with the inflation of rising highway construction and maintenance costs and with the modern fuel economy improvements in today's vehicles.

Nationally, state gasoline taxes average 23.5 CPG but vary substantially.

In 2012, a national report found that Mississippi has an estimated $30 billion in highway and bridge needs between 2008 and 2035 but that the state's current gas tax structure would only generate $15.3 billion to meet those expenses in a "best-case"  scenario.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that the national average federal/state tax on gasoline is 48.8 CPG.

The federal tax on gasoline is 18.4 CPG. The national average state gasoline excise tax is 23.5 CPG.

In Mississippi, drivers pay total federal and state taxes of 37.2 cents per gallon of gasoline and 43.2 cents per gallon of diesel. Mississippi's excise tax totals 18.4 CPG on gasoline and diesel, with 0.4 cents going to an environmental protection fee. In coastal Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties, there is an additional 3 CPG seawall tax.

Mississippi's gas tax is lower than Alabama (19 cents per gallon, but the state allows local option taxes in addition), Arkansas (21.80 CPG), Louisiana (20 CPG), or Tennessee (21.40 CPG).

The question should be: "Are Mississippi roads and bridges in better shape that the transportation infrastructure in those surrounding states?"

But just getting a Mississippi Department of Transportation budget approved was tough this session as the Senate and House skirmished until after the regular session adjourned before the Senate prevailed in getting a $927 million MDOT budget adopted in a special session.

Look for the gas tax hike push to languish for some time. After all, 2015 is a statewide election year.


Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: mcdonaat on April 09, 2014, 07:21:11 PM
What's amazing is that US 61 between the state line south of Woodville, and Natchez, is the smoothest piece of road I've ever traveled in the state. I-20 is a roller coaster between Vicksburg and Jackson, compared to the smoother I-20 in Louisiana. I'd support a gas tax increase, and fill up across the state line in MS, just to make an effort to help.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 10, 2014, 10:51:45 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on April 09, 2014, 07:21:11 PM
What's amazing is that US 61 between the state line south of Woodville, and Natchez, is the smoothest piece of road I've ever traveled in the state. I-20 is a roller coaster between Vicksburg and Jackson, compared to the smoother I-20 in Louisiana. I'd support a gas tax increase, and fill up across the state line in MS, just to make an effort to help.

That has a lot to do with the geotechnical issues just west of Jackson due to the Yazoo Clay. It is a very expansive clay which causes the road to feel like a roller coaster. You can't just dig it up since the layer of clay is quite thick.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on April 10, 2014, 03:32:21 PM
Same clay issue exists between Jackson and Meridian.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: mcdonaat on April 11, 2014, 12:39:54 AM
Would it be feasible to create a floating highway of sorts? Piles driven into the ground, where you have a ground-level bridge of sorts? Hard to describe, but have the roadbed sitting on something that supports it decently, instead of just on top of the clay.

Or, would it be an idea to dig a little bit, pour fill dirt or rock, and then build a road? It doesn't seem like US 80 has that same problem.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 11, 2014, 06:05:07 AM
The former is certainly possible, but it would be prohibitively expensive to do for a long stretch. The latter could work too, but you would have to dig down a long way to keep the clay's expansive nature from having an effect. Another option is treating the subgrade material with cement (not concrete) to attempt to stabilize it. The name of the game is to try and spread out the load to a point to where it is about the same or less than what the natural overburden stress would be.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on May 07, 2014, 04:31:55 AM
Tupelo got hit bad. Also along US 49 going southbound in Richland, MS just barely out of Jackson. And along MS 468, and I-20 in Rankin County. There was a Chevron and Texaco that got hit along I-20 in Pelahatchie in Rankin County. Also MS 25 and MS 15 in Louisville, MS. It is going to take a long time for Tupelo MS to rebuild as well as other Mississippi communities to rebuild
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: richllewis on May 09, 2014, 02:12:13 PM
The following article talks about Mississippi's road and bridge problems. It seems like MDOT is going to have a little more money than the legislature and MDOT thought. The story is at:

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2014/05/08/transportation-funding-increase/8855887/

Quote

Senator: More money for state highways, bridges
Jimmie Gates, The Clarion-Ledger 9:30 p.m. CDT May 8, 2014

Up to $105 million in additional money could be available in the upcoming fiscal year for highways and bridge repairs in the state, the chairman of the state Senate Highways and Transportation Committee said Thursday.

However, state Sen. Willie Simmons said a couple billion of dollars are needed for transportation infrastructure improvements in the state.

"MDOT has 1,054 bridges that are posted or closed," Simmons said. "Based on testimonies during our hearings, it was estimated that MDOT needs $2 billion to replace bridges annually and $4 billion to repair roads annually."

Simmons said the Legislature didn't tackle raising new revenue for highway and bridge improvements, but he said he was elated that the Senate and House made more money available for state transportation needs.

The Senate appropriation bill, which the House agreed to in final negotiations, for the Department of Transportation was approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor.

The legislation approved the Mississippi Department of Transportation's appropriation for Fiscal Year 2015, which begins July 1, at $927 million, an increase of $23 million over the current year.

Simmons is counting that $23 million, plus $20 million appropriated for State Aid projects in counties to replace structurally deficient bridges. He said in 2013 legislators approved $20 million for State Aid, but due to timing, the money didn't get used. Simmons said State Aid has the authority now to spend $40 million, with the $20 million included from last year's legislation.

Also, $10 million was included in a bond bill for the Mississippi Economic Development Highway Act to be used by local governments for infrastructure improvements to help with economic development.

And during a special legislative session within the regular session, language was added to MDOT's appropriation bill to allow an additional $32 million to be used for counties and municipal roads and bridge improvements if state revenue and growth estimates are met or exceeded next fiscal year.

Simmons said the additional money is moving the state in the right direction, but much more is needed. He said a meeting will be held this summer with business leaders to drum up support for a future plan to raise new revenue for highway and bridge improvements.

Sen. Philip Moran, R-Kiln, a former Hancock County supervisor, said having worked with State Aid with the Board of Supervisors in years past, he knows firsthand how vital the money is to counties in rural areas.

"It means a lot to keep up the roads in the conditions they need to be in," Moran said, "working together in the future, I think we will be able to expand our funding for roads and work on our bridges as well."

Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on June 13, 2014, 02:47:04 PM
http://sp.gomdot.com/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c-924d-498c-b14e-aafec6dc2864&ID=1221&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273

MDOT is converting the I-55 & US 98/MS 24 South McComb exit from a cloverleaf to a diamond.  The SW and NE loops were closed June 3rd; the remaining loops will close once modifications to the remaining ramps are done.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on June 17, 2014, 09:15:19 AM
Quote from: lordsutch on October 12, 2013, 05:04:36 AM
There's an environmental assessment for the Coley Road/Barnes Crossing Road project on MDOT's FTP site. Basically it would add a partial loop around Tupelo, and also make access to the mall area from US 78 and western Tupelo easier. Most of the work is already done except the overpasses of the Trace (under construction - there will not be any access to the Trace) and the US 78 interchange.
(above quote from Interstate 22 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=724.msg252604#msg252604) thread)

This article (http://djournal.com/news/7-4-million-natchez-trace-bridge-completion-expected-august/) includes a photo of the overpass of the Trace and reports that it should be completed no later than early August.  The article also reports that the interchange with US 78/ Future I-22 should be completed in late summer or early fall:

Quote
Mississippi Department of Transportation and Tupelo city officials said Monday they expect a $7.4 million bridge on what will be called West Barnes Crossing Road across the Natchez Trace to be completed no later than early August.
The bridge is part of a loop to connect North Gloster Street and U.S. Highway 78. A second bridge crossing U.S. 78 at Coley Road Extended is expected to be completed about six weeks after the Natchez Trace span ....
A traffic control signal has been installed at the Mount Vernon/West Barnes Crossing intersection, but it is not yet operational. The final roadway segment from Mount Vernon to U.S. 78 near Belden will open when a new $10.5 million bridge crossing U.S. 78 is completed in late summer or early fall.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 21, 2014, 07:31:35 PM
Bridge implosion on I-110 tonight:

http://m.wlox.com/#!/newsDetail/25836683
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on June 22, 2014, 09:43:15 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on June 21, 2014, 07:31:35 PM
Bridge implosion on I-110 tonight:

http://m.wlox.com/#!/newsDetail/25836683

What is the scope of the project? The photo shows some of the bridges at the south end of I-110 at US 90.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on June 22, 2014, 10:35:04 AM
Quote from: Alex on June 22, 2014, 09:43:15 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on June 21, 2014, 07:31:35 PM
Bridge implosion on I-110 tonight:
http://m.wlox.com/#!/newsDetail/25836683
What is the scope of the project? The photo shows some of the bridges at the south end of I-110 at US 90.

This MDOT Press Release (http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c-924d-498c-b14e-aafec6dc2864&ID=1237&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fspgomdot%2FPublic%2520Affairs%2FPages%2FNews-Releases%2Easpx&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273&IsDlg=2) provides some more info:

Quote
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is announcing the temporary closure of I-110 as part of a two phase interchange improvement project at I-10 and I-110 in D'Iberville.
As part of the project, MDOT will construct an interchange on I-110 at Big Ridge Road. To complete this work, Big Ridge Road Bridge over I-110 will be removed and a wider bridge will be constructed to better accommodate traffic in the area's growing commercial corridor ....
Both phases of work on the interchange improvement project at I-10 and I-110 are taking place concurrently; work is scheduled for completion by August 2015 on the $41 million dollar projects.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on June 25, 2014, 08:31:58 PM
This MDOT Press Release (http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c-924d-498c-b14e-aafec6dc2864&ID=1244&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fspgomdot%2FPublic%2520Affairs%2FPages%2FNews-Releases%2Easpx&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273&IsDlg=2) announces that the Delta Bluffs Scenic Byway (http://mdot.ms.gov/documents/planning/Maps/MS%20Scenic%20Byway%20Maps/Delta%20Bluffs%20Scenic%20Byway.pdf) sign will be unveiled on June 27.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on June 27, 2014, 09:38:11 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on June 25, 2014, 08:31:58 PM
This MDOT Press Release (http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c-924d-498c-b14e-aafec6dc2864&ID=1244&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fspgomdot%2FPublic%2520Affairs%2FPages%2FNews-Releases%2Easpx&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273&IsDlg=2) announces that the Delta Bluffs Scenic Byway (http://mdot.ms.gov/documents/planning/Maps/MS%20Scenic%20Byway%20Maps/Delta%20Bluffs%20Scenic%20Byway.pdf) sign will be unveiled on June 27.

This TV video (http://wreg.com/2014/06/27/delta-bluffs-scenic-byway-paves-road-to-history-and-tourism/) provides some background on the Byway as well as a look at the sign:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FjcHlByw.jpg&hash=a3a9668235bab153f377e1171f4265392e335e87)




This MDOT New Release (http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c-924d-498c-b14e-aafec6dc2864&ID=1245&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fspgomdot%2FPublic%2520Affairs%2FPages%2FNews-Releases%2Easpx&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273&IsDlg=2) announces that Exit 98C on I-55 North (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jackson,+MS/@32.3336111,-90.16081,1756m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x86282b7f90741b21:0x713cde441f038a0) will be permanently closed at 6:00 am Central on June 28:

Quote
WHO:           The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).
WHAT:         Crews will permanently close Exit 98C on Interstate 55 North to Lakeland Drive westbound. Motorists are now able to use three left turn lanes on Exit 98B to access Lakeland Drive west.
WHERE:       Exit 98C on Interstate 55 at Lakeland Drive in Hinds County.
WHEN:         Saturday at 6 a.m.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 28, 2014, 08:28:53 PM
The exit closure was to have happened Wednesday, but inclement weather delayed it until today.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on July 16, 2014, 02:00:22 PM
Local news report (http://www.wdam.com/story/26012723/wedged-18-wheeler-under-overpass-causes-traffic-delay-near-hattiesburg) about a tractor-trailer hauling an excavator that got stuck and damaged the southbound I-59 bridge over US 49 in Hattiesburg.  Southbound 59 is down to a single lane as inspectors continue examining the bridge, and the NB 49 to SB 59 loop is also closed.

One of the photos in the news story shows how the arm on the excavator actually punched through the bridge deck along the railing.  That'll take a lot of "glue and duct tape" to fix...
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on July 16, 2014, 03:29:31 PM
The orange barrels are coming back to Lakeland Drive.

A $10 million, two-phase widening project will be underway from MS 471 to Airport Road (MS 475). Phase 1 is from MS 471 to near Grants Ferry Road. Phase 2 is from near Grants Ferry to Airport Road. The finished product? Six lanes of travel. However, there's no definite timetable for the project's completion.

Phase 1's ROW acquisition is underway now.

Lakeland Drive motorists could see more orange barrels (http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/07/15/lakeland-drive-motorists-see-orange-barrels/12710111/)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on July 16, 2014, 07:01:40 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 16, 2014, 02:00:22 PM
Local news report (http://www.wdam.com/story/26012723/wedged-18-wheeler-under-overpass-causes-traffic-delay-near-hattiesburg) about a tractor-trailer hauling an excavator that got stuck and damaged the southbound I-59 bridge over US 49 in Hattiesburg.  Southbound 59 is down to a single lane as inspectors continue examining the bridge, and the NB 49 to SB 59 loop is also closed.

One of the photos in the news story shows how the arm on the excavator actually punched through the bridge deck along the railing.  That'll take a lot of "glue and duct tape" to fix...


Have you seen anymore updates? I've been looking, but the latest news is almost 24 hours old.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on July 19, 2014, 09:24:52 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on July 16, 2014, 03:29:31 PM
The orange barrels are coming back to Lakeland Drive.

A $10 million, two-phase widening project will be underway from MS 471 to Airport Road (MS 475). Phase 1 is from MS 471 to near Grants Ferry Road. Phase 2 is from near Grants Ferry to Airport Road. The finished product? Six lanes of travel. However, there's no definite timetable for the project's completion.

Phase 1's ROW acquisition is underway now.

Lakeland Drive motorists could see more orange barrels (http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/07/15/lakeland-drive-motorists-see-orange-barrels/12710111/)

I don't get why the section from Grants Ferry to 471 would be done first. That'll create a bottleneck after crossing Airport Rd. from points westward.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on July 26, 2014, 10:21:00 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on June 17, 2014, 09:15:19 AM
This article (http://djournal.com/news/7-4-million-natchez-trace-bridge-completion-expected-august/) includes a photo of the overpass of the Trace and reports that it should be completed no later than early August.

This article (http://djournal.com/news/traffic-flows-northern-loop/) includes several photos, reports that a July 25 ribbon-cutting was held on the bridge over the Natchez Trace, and that the first portion of the Northern Loop was opened to traffic shortly thereafter:

Quote
A project 11 years in the making came to fruition Friday when the first portion of the long-awaited Northern Loop opened to traffic.
Tupelo Major Thoroughfare Committee chairman Greg Pirkle thanked a long list of cooperating officials and agencies whose work led to the opening of the east link in the new West Barnes Crossing Road, a five-lane connector from North Gloster Street via Mount Vernon Road to U.S. 78 near Belden.
A remarkably cool morning for late July enhanced the Friday morning ribbon-cutting ceremony on the new bridge crossing the Natchez Trace Parkway, one of the spans crucial to making the new road fully functional ....
The $7.5 million bridge was the final piece of work on the east end of the new road.
The western end of West Barnes Crossing is scheduled to open when a new bridge over U.S. 78 is completed in September.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on August 19, 2014, 02:31:00 PM
Highway 49 needs widening badly between Jackson and Florence.  It would be a costly undertaking due to all of the businesses that have built along the highway and the crepe myrtles planted in the median.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on August 19, 2014, 05:14:59 PM
QuoteHighway 49 needs widening badly between Jackson and Florence.

Currently planned for 2016.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on August 20, 2014, 07:29:34 PM
Are they going to widen the existing lanes, or build a bypass?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lordsutch on August 20, 2014, 07:33:51 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on August 20, 2014, 07:29:34 PM
Are they going to widen the existing lanes, or build a bypass?

Widening I believe. There's a plan to build a bypass to connect to I-20 at MS 475 near the airport, but that's all pie-in-the-sky as part of the long-term plan to upgrade US 49 to the coast to freeway standards. (Plus I can't see Thad spending a lot of political capital helping that part of the state after the giant middle-finger he got from the GOP base down that way. Better news for I-69 fans though.)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on August 20, 2014, 07:47:18 PM
I mentioned in other threads before that there was a plan to do such an upgrade, and/or build an interstate from Jackson to the coast. Even if an upgrade is done, what happens to 49 through Hattiesburg? Does it get re-routed to duplex I-59 and US 98? Uprgrading through Hattiesburg would seem very expensive.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on August 20, 2014, 08:19:46 PM
MDOT's Vision 21 map suggests that 49 would not be upgraded through Hattiesburg for any potential Jackson-Gulfport Interstate.  Instead, it would either follow a western loop from US 59/MS 42 south and east to I-59/US 98 East, or would be rerouted onto I-59 and follow a northern loop leg from US 59/MS 42 east to I-59 in the general vicinity of Exit 73.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on November 04, 2014, 06:12:17 AM
I'd love to see US-49 widened from I-20 to Florence, and I know that Froggie is correct about 2015 because I've seen that date in older news releases, but I don't see any funding for the project as MDOT has stated publicly, and more recently, that under current funding realities they are now focused on maintaining currrent roadway capacities, not expanding them.

A few years ago, I believed the more realistic proposals were for additional lanes and some expansion of the service roads, perhaps with the addition of a diamond interchange or two. Thus, a true expressway, but not a freeway. If a true Jackson-to-Gulfport freeway is ever built, I don't think it will use this segment of 49, nor the one through Hattiesburg.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on November 04, 2014, 06:46:36 PM
It'll be interesting in seeing how MDOT will be able to widen 49 through Richland. South Richland and Florence may be OK since there's not as much development, but from stretch from Old Hwy. 49 to Richland High School will be quite a challenge. Tell you what: I don't wanna be anywhere near that area when that project starts.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on November 10, 2014, 09:01:26 PM
I could have sworn there was a topic on Corridor V through Mississippi and Alabama, but I can't find it.

I drove on the new section of US 278/MS 6 in Tupelo on my way back from Jackson today. The BGS at the intersection of US 45 is rather interesting:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F0MXGnCG.jpg&hash=1619401308533c7850e0ba23876efb5e8a393bf4)

I guess the ultimate plan is to build a new expressway east from Tupelo to a point north of Amory, and it will carry US 278, and maybe MS 6.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on November 10, 2014, 09:08:47 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on November 10, 2014, 09:01:26 PM
I could have sworn there was a topic on Corridor V through Mississippi and Alabama, but I can't find it.

It was moved to the Mid-South board as part of the northern Mississippi move to the Mid-South a few months ago:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=11038.0
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on November 18, 2014, 11:18:08 AM
A new on-ramp opens from D'Iberville Boulevard (former Old MS-67) onto I-10 westbound. The rest of the ramps open by spring or late next year.

MDOT to open portion of new interchange at I-10 and I-110 in D'Iberville on Tuesday (http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/11/mdot_to_open_portion_of_new_in.html#incart_river)

QuoteThe Mississippi Department of Transportation will open a section of the new interchange at I-10 and I-110 on Tuesday, making I-10 westbound accessible by ramp from D'Iberville Boulevard.

Motorists traveling D'Iberville Boulevard south to I-10 west will be the only motion opening to traffic at this time as the remainder of the interchange is still under construction.

QuoteThe remainder of the D'Iberville Boulevard Interchange at I-10 is scheduled to be opened by the spring of next year.  The entire project, including the new Lamey Bridge Interchange at I-10 and Big Ridge Road Interchange at I-110, will be completed by the fall of 2015.           

The "diverging diamond" interchange design at D'Iberville will be the first of its kind in the state, aimed at reducing delays for motorists who are crossing and entering the interstate.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: formulanone on December 08, 2014, 09:27:01 PM
Quote from: US71 on June 02, 2013, 09:42:49 AM
Quote from: rel4 on April 16, 2013, 12:47:54 PM

Removal of state highway signs was not done in a timely manner way back when.  There are (were?) still some old colored US and triangle state highway signs in downtown Greenwood as of a few years ago.

"Were". I think one set for 49E/82 remains on a side street, but the 3-sign assembly disappeared sometime in 2008 or 2009.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.staticflickr.com%2F2404%2F2344385902_e1345fac3b_z_d.jpg&hash=16f7fb027f2fb38f742348e36d97bc3fc33e8280)

I was in Greenwood today to see the other set of colored shields, and they're gone too; replaced with 1970-spec signage. (Street View still shows them up. (https://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=33.515603,-90.180059&spn=0.001411,0.002411&sll=39.613658,-86.106653&sspn=0.16583,0.308647&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=33.515587,-90.180155&panoid=SRcVEUDtrsLstn3Ra-kRug&cbp=12,94.72,,2,5.08)) The green BUSINESS banner from the example posted is still standing all by its lonesome, though.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on December 15, 2014, 06:48:07 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on October 21, 2014, 11:00:15 AM
I wondered why the MDOT website had neither a 2013 map nor a 2014 map ... to make a long story short, a 2013-2014 map is currently available in hard copy, but they are having difficulty loading it onto the website (they tried to load it on August 20 and are currently projecting that it will be loaded in January, 2015).
(above quote from I-69 in MS (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4783.msg2014789#msg2014789) thread)

This MDOT News Release (http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c-924d-498c-b14e-aafec6dc2864&ID=1368&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fspgomdot%2FPublic%2520Affairs%2FPages%2FNews-Releases%2Easpx&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273&IsDlg=2) announces that the 2014-15 map is now available in hard copy, but as far as I can tell, neither it nor the 2013-14 map is available online.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on January 03, 2015, 04:16:57 PM
^ MDOT has posted the 2014-15 Statewide Map (http://mdot.ms.gov/documents/planning/Maps/State%20Highway%20Maps/Statewide%20Map-%20Front%20Side.pdf).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on January 03, 2015, 05:03:23 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on January 03, 2015, 04:16:57 PM
^ MDOT has posted the 2014-15 Statewide Map (http://mdot.ms.gov/documents/planning/Maps/State%20Highway%20Maps/Statewide%20Map-%20Front%20Side.pdf).

I find it interesting that Mississippi still refers to Canadian National's trackage as ICRR.  Also I see that the Kosciusko Southwestern RR has MDOT in parentheses next to their trackage.  I didn't know they owned or controlled any trackage.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: NE2 on January 03, 2015, 06:07:39 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 03, 2015, 05:03:23 PM
I find it interesting that Mississippi still refers to Canadian National's trackage as ICRR.
Officially it still is. Often it's shown as CN/IC.

Quote from: cjk374 on January 03, 2015, 05:03:23 PM
Also I see that the Kosciusko Southwestern RR has MDOT in parentheses next to their trackage.  I didn't know they owned or controlled any trackage.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosciusko_and_Southwestern_Railway
QuoteThe 21.66 mile railroad line was purchased from the Illinois Central Railroad by the Mississippi Department of Transportation and leased to the Kosciusko & Southwestern Railway.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on February 03, 2015, 03:26:50 PM
Yazoo clay slows down I-55 construction in south Jackson:

http://m.wapt.com/news/clay-could-slow-i55-construction-south-of-jackson/30979088
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on February 03, 2015, 07:55:31 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on February 03, 2015, 03:26:50 PM
Yazoo clay slows down I-55 construction in south Jackson:

http://m.wapt.com/news/clay-could-slow-i55-construction-south-of-jackson/30979088

They say they didn't about the Yazoo clay beforehand. Isn't that what soil borings and a geotechnical investigation are for?  :banghead: Surely MDOT and the A/E weren't too cheap to have one of those done.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on February 05, 2015, 04:14:53 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on February 03, 2015, 07:55:31 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on February 03, 2015, 03:26:50 PM
Yazoo clay slows down I-55 construction in south Jackson:

http://m.wapt.com/news/clay-could-slow-i55-construction-south-of-jackson/30979088

They say they didn't about the Yazoo clay beforehand. Isn't that what soil borings and a geotechnical investigation are for?  :banghead: Surely MDOT and the A/E weren't too cheap to have one of those done.

Exactly. It seems that their excuse is that they didn't know that the original contractor left the clay that was originally excavated inside of the ROW after they were done, however one would think that compaction, settlement, and constantly increasing live load on the adjacent freeway over a 30+ year period would negate any original geotech work.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: mcdonaat on February 12, 2015, 02:18:32 PM
Drove down US 98 last weekend, and noticed how lightly used it was between McComb and Columbia. There was slight construction going on between MS 35 and MS 13 on US 98, but I assumed those were normal bridge replacements.

If anyone could give me an idea, non-road related, but what's the deal with dry counties not allowing the transportation of alcohol? Someone at a gas station told me that the private possession of alcohol in Pearl River County is illegal, but the county seat (Poplarville) is wet. How do you get alcohol into the county if you can't transport it across county lines?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on February 12, 2015, 03:48:12 PM
QuoteSomeone at a gas station told me that the private possession of alcohol in Pearl River County is illegal, but the county seat (Poplarville) is wet. How do you get alcohol into the county if you can't transport it across county lines?

Unless things have changed since I lived in Picayune in 2008 (also a wet city within Pearl River County), you can buy beer and light spirits (don't remember if wine was sold or not) at stores located within Poplarville and Picayune, but you are not supposed to transport it.  Not that it's really enforced as long as you aren't stupid.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on February 14, 2015, 07:53:17 AM
Quote from: froggie on February 12, 2015, 03:48:12 PM
QuoteSomeone at a gas station told me that the private possession of alcohol in Pearl River County is illegal, but the county seat (Poplarville) is wet. How do you get alcohol into the county if you can't transport it across county lines?

Unless things have changed since I lived in Picayune in 2008 (also a wet city within Pearl River County), you can buy beer and light spirits (don't remember if wine was sold or not) at stores located within Poplarville and Picayune, but you are not supposed to transport it.  Not that it's really enforced as long as you aren't stupid.

I don't think it can be enforced, so long as you keep your receipts and you do nothing at all to change the packaging. I've listened to lawyers argue about this among themselves. They seem to agree that you can't be charged with transporting unless it can be shown you intended to do something else illegal with it. Some say you should not so much as move your beer from one shopping bag to another before you get it home. Certainly don't open any, nor should you put the beer in a cooler with ice. Just leave it in its shopping bag and take it home, and you can't be prosecuted.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on February 21, 2015, 11:34:21 PM
I can't wrap my head around it either...and I live across the state line from Pearl River County. I just get my alcohol in Bogalusa if I'm headed that way.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on April 01, 2015, 11:31:46 PM
I have a question about the little green number signs attached to the bridges on the interstates. Take a look at this goog image: https://www.google.com/maps/@31.863701,-90.412457,3a,37.5y,203.77h,84.68t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sUtDw7GlCDzpgBMfd6AgcTg!2e0 (https://www.google.com/maps/@31.863701,-90.412457,3a,37.5y,203.77h,84.68t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sUtDw7GlCDzpgBMfd6AgcTg!2e0)

As you can see, if the green number marker on the bridge is suppose to be related to the milepost, it is a whole mile off.  I was like that all up and down I-20 as well...the numbers don't match the mileposts.  What are these numbers?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 02, 2015, 07:27:37 AM
I think they are supposed to be based on the mileposts, but that is an interesting observation that they are off by one mile. Districts 3 and 5 (which include Vicksburg and the Jackson metro, respectively) like the green signs, while District 1 (the northeast part of the state including the Golden Triangle and Tupelo) likes stenciling red text on the bridges.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on April 02, 2015, 11:14:05 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on April 02, 2015, 07:27:37 AM
I think they are supposed to be based on the mileposts, but that is an interesting observation that they are off by one mile. Districts 3 and 5 (which include Vicksburg and the Jackson metro, respectively) like the green signs, while District 1 (the northeast part of the state including the Golden Triangle and Tupelo) likes stenciling red text on the bridges.

The sign/milepost difference isn't always off by an even mile.  Some of the ones on I-20 that I saw yesterday were off by several tenths of a mile.  The one I posted was the best one I could remember off the top of my head.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on April 05, 2015, 10:33:34 PM
I saw the progress on I-55 in Byram and south Jackson yesterday.  I am highly disappointed in MDOT.  Why didn't they use concrete for the new pavement instead of hot mix??  :confused: :pan: :banghead: They will be reworking all of that in 10 years or less after they complete the project.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 06, 2015, 06:59:18 AM
Concrete is a bad idea in that area due to the Yazoo clay that is prevalent in the area (although there are a few places where concrete is used). If you had the rigid pavement have undulations like what you have along I-20 near the I-220 interchange, the pavement would be cracked to hell and back. Flexible asphalt pavement just goes along for the bumpy ride.

It is disappointing that the project seems to be taking a while to complete (just like the northern project). More Yazoo clay was found than anticipated on that project, so it has to be dealt with before the planned construction can resume.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on April 06, 2015, 10:22:46 PM
Why didn't they dig out all of the yazoo clay before repaving?  Wasn't that hauled in to use as a sub base when the interstate was originally built, or is that the native soil there?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 07, 2015, 06:52:31 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 06, 2015, 10:22:46 PM
Why didn't they dig out all of the yazoo clay before repaving?  Wasn't that hauled in to use as a sub base when the interstate was originally built, or is that the native soil there?

It is native to central Mississippi. I am not sure why that was missed during the design because typically such things are caught during geotechnical investigation where the geotechnical firm will perform soil borings. Either they didn't go down deep enough, they didn't perform enough borings, or MDOT took a risk that they wouldn't run into any problems with it after finding it in a few of the borings.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 07, 2015, 07:47:06 AM
I did not realize this, but it looks like the partial interchange of D'Iberville Road with I-10 just west of the I-10/110 interchange will be a diverging diamond: https://www.google.com/maps/@30.4505926,-88.9033565,983m/data=!3m1!1e3
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on April 14, 2015, 01:20:43 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on April 07, 2015, 06:52:31 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 06, 2015, 10:22:46 PM
Why didn't they dig out all of the yazoo clay before repaving?  Wasn't that hauled in to use as a sub base when the interstate was originally built, or is that the native soil there?

It is native to central Mississippi. I am not sure why that was missed during the design because typically such things are caught during geotechnical investigation where the geotechnical firm will perform soil borings. Either they didn't go down deep enough, they didn't perform enough borings, or MDOT took a risk that they wouldn't run into any problems with it after finding it in a few of the borings.

When that highway was originally built, the contractors dumped the clay on the side of the road instead of hauling it off. When the current construction started, they found the clay and had to halt the work.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: pctech on April 14, 2015, 01:45:57 PM
I stopped at the Miss. I-10 eastbound welcome center recently. I noticed they had a brochure explaining the flashing amber left turn signal. Just wondering, how fast is it be deployed in the state?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 14, 2015, 01:50:11 PM
There have been some installed in the Jackson metro area. https://www.google.com/maps/@32.312214,-90.175199,3a,75y,292.05h,82.17t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sAStbI4DDzb_YDf7pL6jyWw!2e0!5m1!1e1
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 20, 2015, 01:48:51 AM
Somehow, I missed the news about the construction going on at the Downtown Brandon exit on I-20. I saw it on my way home tonight. Here's a scope of the project:

http://www.cityofbrandon.net/project/interstate20/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 21, 2015, 08:28:35 PM
I was hoping the entire curve was being realigned. I guess that project will make way for that if/when the money is available.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 22, 2015, 01:14:29 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on April 21, 2015, 08:28:35 PM
I was hoping the entire curve was being realigned. I guess that project will make way for that if/when the money is available.

I was hoping the same.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 24, 2015, 07:53:10 PM
MDOT has rejected bids on all design-build proposals for I-55 work in the south Jackson/Byram area, due to "several major errors".

http://msbusiness.com/blog/2015/04/24/bids-received-on-i-55-do-over-selection-pending/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 24, 2015, 10:13:17 PM
The story said that there was a design flaw which shut down the project, and then later the Yazoo clay was discovered. What is the initial design flaw?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on April 24, 2015, 10:13:55 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on April 14, 2015, 01:20:43 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on April 07, 2015, 06:52:31 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 06, 2015, 10:22:46 PM
Why didn't they dig out all of the yazoo clay before repaving?  Wasn't that hauled in to use as a sub base when the interstate was originally built, or is that the native soil there?

It is native to central Mississippi. I am not sure why that was missed during the design because typically such things are caught during geotechnical investigation where the geotechnical firm will perform soil borings. Either they didn't go down deep enough, they didn't perform enough borings, or MDOT took a risk that they wouldn't run into any problems with it after finding it in a few of the borings.

When that highway was originally built, the contractors dumped the clay on the side of the road instead of hauling it off. When the current construction started, they found the clay and had to halt the work.

Quote
While the design flaw brought a halt to the project, it was also discovered that an excessive amount of Yazoo clay had been dumped on the apron of the roadway during initial construction in the 1970s.

That meant that the excess clay will have to be excavated and removed. Also the department will conduct soil boring farther out from the roadbed in future projects, McGrath said. The clay is known for its instability.

Finally....common sense is working its way to actually getting the road fixed right!   :clap: :clap:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 06, 2015, 08:00:22 PM
MDOT applies for I-22 designation:

http://msbusiness.com/2015/05/mississippi-highway-dept-applies-for-i-22-designation/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on May 12, 2015, 12:40:26 PM
On I-55 in Madison County, the new Exit 107 (Madison Ave/Colony Park Blvd) is fully open. All lanes of I-55, both one way frontage roads, and all 4 lanes of Madison Ave are also fully open.

http://m.wapt.com/news/all-sections-open-in-split-diamond-project/32861248
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 17, 2015, 02:10:00 AM
Quote from: rel4 on May 12, 2015, 12:40:26 PM
On I-55 in Madison County, the new Exit 107 (Madison Ave/Colony Park Blvd) is fully open. All lanes of I-55, both one way frontage roads, and all 4 lanes of Madison Ave are also fully open.

http://m.wapt.com/news/all-sections-open-in-split-diamond-project/32861248

It looks really nice.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 31, 2015, 02:41:42 PM
The state's first diverging diamond interchange to open Tuesday in D'Iberville:

http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c-924d-498c-b14e-aafec6dc2864&ID=1525&Source=http://spgomdot/Public%2520Affairs/Pages/News-Releases.aspx&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273&IsDlg=2
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 13, 2015, 08:44:43 AM
South Philadelphia bypass picks up steam:

http://m.wapt.com/news/proposed-philadelphia-southern-bypass-picks-up-steam/33483290

This is mainly due to the Weyerhaeuser plant there.

Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on June 13, 2015, 11:31:05 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on June 13, 2015, 08:44:43 AM
South Philadelphia bypass picks up steam:

http://m.wapt.com/news/proposed-philadelphia-southern-bypass-picks-up-steam/33483290

This is mainly due to the Weyerhaeuser plant there.



What road is that pictured in the story? Just some random road pic?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on June 13, 2015, 12:09:10 PM
It's possibly a view of southbound I-55 at Woodrow Wilson Ave in Jackson.  Otherwise, it'd have to be some random pic.  SB I-55 there is the only road in the state that would have similar geometry/striping to what's in the image.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 14, 2015, 11:30:11 AM
Yes, that is the I-55/Woodrow Wilson area. Maybe MDOT or WAPT were too lazy to provide a Philadelphia-area picture.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on June 14, 2015, 12:39:51 PM
Either too lazy or an incompetent news producer.  A prudent news station would've sent a crew to Philadelphia to shoot video and do interviews.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on June 14, 2015, 05:59:36 PM
It's been just over 20 years since I've been in Philly (taking pictures of Midsouth. Rail Corp's locomotives before the KCS takeover went into full throttle). I don't remember that being such a large town. But times change.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 14, 2015, 07:29:52 PM
Philadelphia's not a big town (about 7,500), but the casinos on the Choctaw reservation has given the town an identity.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 26, 2015, 11:13:02 PM
I don't have a link to the story, but construction has restarted on I-55 in the south Jackson/Byram area.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on June 29, 2015, 10:45:17 PM
Link to I-55 construction project, which is now back on:

http://msbusiness.com/2015/06/third-time-may-be-charm-at-least-for-first-phase-of-i-55-project/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on July 29, 2015, 04:21:52 PM
 :hmmm: Why did MsDOT feel the need to remove the exit number from the I-55 south/I-20 interchange from the I-20 ramps? They went so far as to green out the 1 MILE on the bottom of the advance BGS and replaced it with EXIT 1 MILE??   :confused:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on September 07, 2015, 10:40:54 AM
MDOT recently conducted an August 13, 2015 Public Meeting (http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Environmental/Environmental%20Projects/SR%206%20Improvements%20-%20Clarksdale%20to%20Batesville/SR%206%20-%202015%20Public%20Meeting%20Handout.pdf) about its decision to drop plans for a MS 6/ US 278 southern bypass of Batesville after its re-evaluation of a 2008 FONSI found that traffic levels have decreased to the point where the bypass is no longer needed.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on September 07, 2015, 11:39:11 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on September 07, 2015, 10:40:54 AM
MDOT recently conducted an August 13, 2015 Public Meeting (http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Environmental/Environmental%20Projects/SR%206%20Improvements%20-%20Clarksdale%20to%20Batesville/SR%206%20-%202015%20Public%20Meeting%20Handout.pdf) about its decision to drop plans for a MS 6/ US 278 southern bypass of Batesville after its re-evaluation of a 2008 FONSI found that traffic levels have decreased to the point where the bypass is no longer needed.

I hope they'll keep the ROW just in case if future demands bring the need for the bypass.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 07, 2015, 12:31:21 PM
I highly doubt that'll be the case, plus it's probably a safe bet that MDOT hasn't bought right-of-way for this project anyway.  They're bumping into the same problem every other DOT is:  dwindling resources.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on September 09, 2015, 07:49:07 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on March 01, 2014, 01:16:45 AM
This article (http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/f2f66c43bbd24960b4f8e6654dee9dd1/MS-XGR--Transportation-Funding) reports that the next possible funding solution may not be proposed until 2016:
Quote
... with Gov. Phil Bryant and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves explicitly ruling out an increase in fuel taxes, money-raising proposals have gotten nowhere in the 2014 Legislature.
The Mississippi Economic Council plans a study looking for solutions to the state's funding shortfall ... results would come out in late 2015, with MEC planning to submit them to the 2016 Legislature.
Quote from: froggie on September 07, 2015, 12:31:21 PM
... MDOT ... They're bumping into the same problem every other DOT is:  dwindling resources.

This August 13, 2015 article (http://msbusiness.com/2015/08/mec-transportation-task-force-on-track-to-wrap-up-work-in-late-fall/) reports that the Mississippi Economic Council ("MEC") is on track to issue its report in mid November, and that "the final proposal will call for a combination of new or increased user fees and a new motor fuels tax":

Quote
Congress' failure to renew federal highway funding beyond the next three months is not expected to keep a Mississippi Economic Council transportation task force from delivering an assessment of the state's transportation needs and how to pay for them.
Supporters of decreasing the state's $2 billion road & bridge maintenance backlog are counting on the task force's assessment and recommendations to be the catalyst for the first changes since 1987 in the way the state funds its building and maintaining of roads and bridges.
The chair of the committee, Sanderson Farms CEO & Chairman Joe Sanderson, has said he expects the final proposal will call for a combination of new or increased user fees and a new motor fuels tax,
Congress' inability to approve a multi-year highway bill should not delay the study panel's goal of presenting its transportation blueprint in mid November, said Blake Wilson, CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council, the state chamber of commerce.

The task force, he said, is working independently of anything occurring in Washington.
Blake said that in deciding proportionate shares of road and bridge spending, the task force is "factoring-in that things will stay as they are"  at the federal level.
The 15-member MEC panel, known officially as the Blueprint Transportation/Infrastructure Task Force, is made up of business leaders from around the state. It has received key research from Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi that defines the state's transportation problems and examines how other states have addressed transportation shortcomings.
The research is getting a once-over from transportation consulting firm Cambridge Systematics
, which Wilson says has worked throughout the multi-state region and can add extra knowledge of things other states are doing ....
By the time the MEC goes on its next road show of 20 cities, the task force will have presented its findings and proposals, including a breakdown of yearly spending on the transportation backlog, Wilson said.

Will the MEC be able to convince the politicians to agree to an increase in fuel taxes this time around?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lordsutch on September 09, 2015, 09:03:48 PM
It happened in Georgia so I suppose anything is possible. Mississippi historically has had a fairly nonpartisan legislature so there may be enough Republican crossover votes to get it done, particularly since it looks like Vision 21/AHEAD won't be able to move forward without extra funding and none of the potential toll projects in the Jackson and Gulfport/Biloxi areas have attracted investment (meaning they'll need significant state funding).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on September 15, 2015, 08:06:32 PM
It appears that MDOT had a solicitation in August (http://mdot.ms.gov/Applications/BidSystem/lettingInfo.aspx?r=0&date=August%2025,%202015) for a project to add a lane to Lakeland Drive (MS 25) in each direction between MS 475 and Grants Ferry Road in Rankin County. I am not sure if it was awarded or not. The apparent low bidder was Superior Asphalt for $36,295,399.15.

EDIT: It looks like it was awarded (http://mdot.ms.gov/bidsystem_data/20150825/LETDOCS/20150825BidAwards.pdf).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on October 23, 2015, 06:00:02 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on September 15, 2015, 08:06:32 PM
It appears that MDOT had a solicitation in August (http://mdot.ms.gov/Applications/BidSystem/lettingInfo.aspx?r=0&date=August%2025,%202015) for a project to add a lane to Lakeland Drive (MS 25) in each direction between MS 475 and Grants Ferry Road in Rankin County. I am not sure if it was awarded or not. The apparent low bidder was Superior Asphalt for $36,295,399.15.

EDIT: It looks like it was awarded (http://mdot.ms.gov/bidsystem_data/20150825/LETDOCS/20150825BidAwards.pdf).

Ground breaking was October 9th (http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/30226457/lakeland-drive-expansion-new-technology-will-help-traffic)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Alex on November 21, 2015, 09:30:55 AM
Checked out the completed work at I-10/110 in D'iberville yesterday and noted that on I-110 south into Biloxi virtually all the guide signs are gone for Exits 2, 1D and 1C. There is construction underway on the viaduct too.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on December 18, 2015, 11:23:26 AM
The Mississippi Economic Council has released a report that calls for an increase in taxes and fees  (http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2015/12/18/taxes-roads-bridges/77552620/) to raise $375 million per year for road and bridge repairs.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on December 18, 2015, 10:09:58 PM
But Governor Bryant and the GOP-controlled legislature may not want to raise taxes, unless they were to be offset elsewhere. In other words, kicking the can down the road.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Georgia on December 20, 2015, 08:14:19 PM
kicking the can down the road so that something that costs $5 million today costs $8 million in 10 years.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on December 21, 2015, 07:24:34 AM
From what I understand, vehicle registration in Mississippi is very high.

In Alabama, fees have been raised for several years now to raise additional revenue. And then the government can claim that they didn't raise taxes.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on December 21, 2015, 08:27:27 AM
QuoteFrom what I understand, vehicle registration in Mississippi is very high.

This is because Mississippi has a personal property tax on vehicles...to be paid when vehicle registration is due.  And that property tax goes to the county, not MDOT.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on January 06, 2016, 09:52:39 PM
Long Beach wants an I-10 exit:

http://m.msnewsnow.com/msnewsnow/db_345478/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=jawO712n

The plan calls for Klondyke Road to be extended northward to I-10.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on January 13, 2016, 09:19:14 AM
If anyone has some good old photos and/or videos related to transportation in Mississippi, then MDOT might want to use them as part of their 100th birthday celebration:

http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c-924d-498c-b14e-aafec6dc2864&ID=1731&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fspgomdot%2FPublic%2520Affairs%2FPages%2FNews-Releases%2Easpx&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273&IsDlg=2

Quote
On March 29, 2016, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will turn 100 years old, and the agency is asking for assistance in celebrating this milestone.
"This year marks MDOT's 100th anniversary,"  said MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath. "Our transportation system has greatly evolved over this time, and we want to show Mississippians how far it's come and where the future is taking us."
To add to this important celebration, MDOT is seeking two important pieces of information. First, MDOT is looking for the oldest living former employee. These former employees will be invited to celebration events being held later this year. Second, MDOT is seeking photographs and/or videos that show the history of transportation in Mississippi. These photos and videos will be included in the timeline showing the evolution of transportation in Mississippi.
To submit information to MDOT, please email comments@mdot.ms.gov or call 601-359-7074. MDOT requests that all information be submitted by February 15, 2016.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on January 13, 2016, 03:09:51 PM
MDOT is advertising a project for bidding this month to widen I-10 from 4 to 6 lanes between MS 609 and MS 57 east of Biloxi.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: The Ghostbuster on January 14, 2016, 04:36:07 PM
Any updates on future Interstate 310 in Gulfport?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on January 17, 2016, 01:09:07 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on January 13, 2016, 03:09:51 PM
MDOT is advertising a project for bidding this month to widen I-10 from 4 to 6 lanes between MS 609 and MS 57 east of Biloxi.

They might as well widen the highway across the entire state.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 21, 2016, 10:35:12 AM
Work resumes on I-55 widening project in Jackson:

http://msbusiness.com/2016/04/111980/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on May 13, 2016, 10:56:00 PM
I recently emailed MDOT to see if they applied for FASTLANE and/or TIGER grants this year. MDOT's response reflects an emphasis on US 49:

Quote
MDOT applied for a FASTLANE and TIGER Grant on US 49 in Harrison County from O'Neal Road to School Road.  This project will widen the highway from 4 to 6 lanes.  We also applied for a FASTLANE grant on US 49 in Rankin County from Florence to the 6-lane in Richland.  This project will also widen the highway from 4 to 6 lanes.  Links to the two project websites are below. 

www.improverankin49.com

www.improveharrison49.com
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lamsalfl on June 05, 2016, 12:37:15 AM
It looks like widening is just getting underway on I-10 between Exit 50 and 57 based on some construction materials out there.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 03, 2016, 08:15:33 PM
Found this article about the Port of Gulfport connector (http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/harrison-county/article89666722.html) (what some people, including Alex (http://www.interstate-guide.com/i-310_ms.html), call "I-310") from last month.  In short, MDOT has spent over $150 million on a route that the courts have ruled they need to start over on.  And MDOT doesn't have any funding to restart the project.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on September 13, 2016, 02:04:34 PM
Quote from: froggie on September 03, 2016, 08:15:33 PM
Found this article about the Port of Gulfport connector (http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/harrison-county/article89666722.html) (what some people, including Alex (http://www.interstate-guide.com/i-310_ms.html), call "I-310") from last month.  In short, MDOT has spent over $150 million on a route that the courts have ruled they need to start over on.  And MDOT doesn't have any funding to restart the project.

And to think we'd believe that they'd be well on their way to finishing the road.

You can even see on Google Maps where MDOT cleared the land on the route.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 13, 2016, 03:20:51 PM
Yep...that's as far as they got before the lawsuit halted them.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lordsutch on September 13, 2016, 04:46:50 PM
MDOT's own version of the Route 460 debacle in Virginia.

That said the folks who wanted an at-grade project (presumably the $14m project) were crazy or just self-serving. Unless you grade separate the whole corridor in an urbanized area, it'll get overrun with signals and development just like US 49 to the east did, defeating the entire point.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 13, 2016, 07:35:56 PM
Thanks for the update, even though it took 8 months. After reading the article, it looks like the road won't be built anytime soon, if ever.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 14, 2016, 10:38:57 AM
QuoteThat said the folks who wanted an at-grade project (presumably the $14m project) were crazy or just self-serving. Unless you grade separate the whole corridor in an urbanized area, it'll get overrun with signals and development just like US 49 to the east did, defeating the entire point.

Not necessarily.  MDOT is aware of how to do access management on major arterials (some of the new-alignment 4-lane segments have it, such as US 45 south of Meridian to past Quitman) and it's likely any such connector that remained under MDOT jurisdiction would have had limited intersections and no new private access points.

US 49's problem, besides being a 50-year-old 4-lane now, is that as a pre-existing road, access control was non-existant.  And much of the development along 49 happened before MDOT came to learn about access management.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lordsutch on September 14, 2016, 01:49:07 PM
Quote from: froggie on September 14, 2016, 10:38:57 AM
QuoteThat said the folks who wanted an at-grade project (presumably the $14m project) were crazy or just self-serving. Unless you grade separate the whole corridor in an urbanized area, it'll get overrun with signals and development just like US 49 to the east did, defeating the entire point.

Not necessarily.  MDOT is aware of how to do access management on major arterials (some of the new-alignment 4-lane segments have it, such as US 45 south of Meridian to past Quitman) and it's likely any such connector that remained under MDOT jurisdiction would have had limited intersections and no new private access points.

The limited private access points might be an improvement over US 49, but you'd still have signalized intersections every few blocks, and more importantly pressure from local government and developers to add more signalized intersections and relax the private access controls so they can develop the adjacent property.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 15, 2016, 07:40:07 AM
Depends on if it remains a state highway or not.  MDOT is pretty adamant about not allowing the latter on segments designated limited-access.

Meanwhile, even a signalized at-grade would be a useful alternative to US 49, especially for the port traffic.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on November 06, 2016, 11:43:07 AM
I posted this in the I-69 in MS thread because of the impact it has on I-69 development, but I thought it would be useful to post it here, also. This Oct. 31 article (http://www.meridianstar.com/news/state/tagert-projects-to-expand-highway-capacity-will-end-by/article_53584d59-7972-5f8c-b64c-ef60fd278110.html) reports that Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert says that all new capacity projects will end in 2018 unless new money is provided.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Grzrd on December 06, 2016, 02:12:21 PM
The Final 2017-20 Statewide Transportation Plan (http://mdot.ms.gov/FiveYearPlanData/Current%20STIP/2017-2020%20STIP%20Final.pdf) has been posted on the MDOT website.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: mwb1848 on December 06, 2016, 10:09:57 PM
I remain consistently amazed at how slowly highway projects move in Mississippi.

I remember as a kid growing up in Pascagoula reading about plans to add an interchange at US 90 and Mississippi 63. It was finally completed a couple of years ago. I think I-310 has been talked about forever. And then you have the incredibly provincial, meandering discussions about adding interchanges to proposed freeways in the Memphis suburbs. 

Contrast all of that with how quickly projects advance in Texas, where I've made my home for the last 11 years.

Entire freeway projects in Texas get planned, funded, constructed, opened, and expanded in the time that it takes MDOT to figure out where it wants to put an interchange.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on December 18, 2016, 11:05:54 AM
Quote from: mwb1848 on December 06, 2016, 10:09:57 PM
I remain consistently amazed at how slowly highway projects move in Mississippi.

I remember as a kid growing up in Pascagoula reading about plans to add an interchange at US 90 and Mississippi 63. It was finally completed a couple of years ago. I think I-310 has been talked about forever. And then you have the incredibly provincial, meandering discussions about adding interchanges to proposed freeways in the Memphis suburbs. 

Contrast all of that with how quickly projects advance in Texas, where I've made my home for the last 11 years.

Entire freeway projects in Texas get planned, funded, constructed, opened, and expanded in the time that it takes MDOT to figure out where it wants to put an interchange.

Texas generally has more money.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on March 26, 2017, 03:22:19 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on December 06, 2016, 02:12:21 PM
The Final 2017-20 Statewide Transportation Plan (http://mdot.ms.gov/FiveYearPlanData/Current%20STIP/2017-2020%20STIP%20Final.pdf) has been posted on the MDOT website.

The plans for Jackson are interesting. I particularly like the idea of extending both ends of four-laned Pearson Road, south to US 49 and north to Lakeland Drive at what looks to be somewhere around Treetops Blvd. It seems to me that once that's done, another extension might be a really great idea: from US 49 to I-55 at Byram. This would give south-bound MS 25 traffic a great alternative to the Jackson freeways if their destination is anywhere south of the city, and of course the opposite option for northbound I-55 traffic bound for MSU, for example. Since the plans also show a widening of US 49 down to Florence, maybe MDOT would opt for an interchange at Pearson and 49.

Another item I wish they'd look at, although it would cost a fortune, I'm sure: widening and elevating most of I-20 from Raymond Road to Clinton.

It all seems so pie-in-the-sky under the present funding situation, but something's bound to change sooner or later, I think.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on March 26, 2017, 04:14:20 PM
Elevating 20 would be overkill.  Nevermind that there's nothing in the STIP to address the REAL elephant in Jackson's room:  the Waterworks Curve on I-55.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: mwb1848 on March 30, 2017, 03:04:19 PM
This is the long way to solve the Waterworks Curve Problem: Move I-55 to I-220 and replace the section of I-55 between Pascagoula Street and Woodrow Wilson or Lakeland with an at-grade urban boulevard which gives Jackson the opportunity to reconnect with its riverfront and – by the way – eliminates the Waterworks Curve.

The remaining section of I-55 north of Downtown to the current I-55/I-220 interchange remains a local traffic freeway and is designated I-155.

#DontHateMe
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lordsutch on March 30, 2017, 07:43:46 PM
I don't think Jackson was ever really "connected" with its riverfront; that whole area along the Pearl River is basically a floodplain. There's a reason all the government buildings, even the oldest ones, are on the bluffs a mile from the river.

The real issue with Waterworks Curve is that the adjoining neighborhood is becoming very gentrified, so straightening the thing out would be politically hard unless they literally moved the waterworks. Personally I don't think it's that bad - it's nothing like the old Laurel curve, or even some of the curves on I-22 through New Albany.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on March 30, 2017, 08:34:46 PM
New Albany's issue wasn't curbs...it was a wicked narrow median.  But the Laurel curves are an appropriate comparison.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on March 30, 2017, 09:46:04 PM
Quote from: lordsutch on March 30, 2017, 07:43:46 PM
I don't think Jackson was ever really "connected" with its riverfront; that whole area along the Pearl River is basically a floodplain. There's a reason all the government buildings, even the oldest ones, are on the bluffs a mile from the river.

The real issue with Waterworks Curve is that the adjoining neighborhood is becoming very gentrified, so straightening the thing out would be politically hard unless they literally moved the waterworks. Personally I don't think it's that bad - it's nothing like the old Laurel curve, or even some of the curves on I-22 through New Albany.

I'll shrink the "problem area" even more, go redo the Woodrow Wilson interchange. That left hand exit (on I-55 NB) is what I disliked the most about that section around Jackson.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lordsutch on March 30, 2017, 10:23:59 PM
Quote from: froggie on March 30, 2017, 08:34:46 PM
New Albany's issue wasn't curbs...it was a wicked narrow median.  But the Laurel curves are an appropriate comparison.

There's still a pretty awkward curve on I-22 between MS 15 and Central Avenue, combined with a bad merge westbound (eastbound was fixed when they fixed the median). It doesn't look so bad on a map or even an aerial, but it definitely has a 1960s freeway feel to it, a bit like the MS 7 Oxford bypass between MS 314/334 and Sisk Avenue does.

Realistically I don't know what you can do to fix Woodrow Wilson without screwing up the northbound I-55 alignment, absent wiping out the eastern 1/4 of Belhaven. About the only thing you could do to help with capacity is to get the traffic through Waterworks that is destined for MS 25 across the Pearl River somewhere else by reviving the Airport Parkway concept.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 22, 2017, 04:48:17 PM
Quote from: berberry on March 26, 2017, 03:22:19 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on December 06, 2016, 02:12:21 PM
The Final 2017-20 Statewide Transportation Plan (http://mdot.ms.gov/FiveYearPlanData/Current%20STIP/2017-2020%20STIP%20Final.pdf) has been posted on the MDOT website.

The plans for Jackson are interesting. I particularly like the idea of extending both ends of four-laned Pearson Road, south to US 49 and north to Lakeland Drive at what looks to be somewhere around Treetops Blvd. It seems to me that once that's done, another extension might be a really great idea: from US 49 to I-55 at Byram. This would give south-bound MS 25 traffic a great alternative to the Jackson freeways if their destination is anywhere south of the city, and of course the opposite option for northbound I-55 traffic bound for MSU, for example. Since the plans also show a widening of US 49 down to Florence, maybe MDOT would opt for an interchange at Pearson and 49.

What's going on with this project? I remember dirt work was being done, but grass has grown over dirt, almost as if nothing ever happened.

Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on August 15, 2017, 01:28:12 PM
Downtown Philadelphia bypass cancelled:

http://msbusiness.com/2017/08/mississippi-highway-bypass-project-canned-amid-tight-budget/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on November 26, 2017, 01:51:13 AM
Several curves (some of them pretty sharp) are in the process of being straightened out on MS 43 between MS 26 in Crossroads and Walkiah Bluff Road/Burnt Bridge Road just west of Picayune.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 26, 2017, 07:54:17 AM
They were talking about that project when I left Picayune/Stennis.  And that was 9 years ago.

They were also talking about widening US 11 and replacing the Hobolochitto Creek bridge from just north of downtown Picayune to the Hide-a-Way Lake turnoff, especially after Katrina hit and pushed a lot of people into the county...but that hasn't exactly happened either.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lordsutch on November 27, 2017, 05:38:48 PM
I spotted about the sleaziest example of traffic enforcement I've ever seen yesterday in Byhalia. City cop was sitting on MS 178 a few hundred feet past the DeSoto/Marshall county line, which is also the Byhalia city limit. MS 178 is 55 mph west of the county line but drops to 45 at the county line/city limit.

The sleazy part: the 45 mph sign westbound was covered up with some sort of black canvas bag. Apparently it's been that way for years. (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8861494,-89.7238316,3a,75y,126.69h,91.09t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sROpEZiptBDsWWcEl5HF-0g!2e0!5s20140901T000000!7i13312!8i6656) Thankfully I was going west instead of east...
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on December 20, 2017, 07:42:42 AM
Quote from: lordsutch on November 27, 2017, 05:38:48 PM
I spotted about the sleaziest example of traffic enforcement I've ever seen yesterday in Byhalia. City cop was sitting on MS 178 a few hundred feet past the DeSoto/Marshall county line, which is also the Byhalia city limit. MS 178 is 55 mph west of the county line but drops to 45 at the county line/city limit.

The sleazy part: the 45 mph sign westbound was covered up with some sort of black canvas bag. Apparently it's been that way for years. (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8861494,-89.7238316,3a,75y,126.69h,91.09t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sROpEZiptBDsWWcEl5HF-0g!2e0!5s20140901T000000!7i13312!8i6656) Thankfully I was going west instead of east...
It looks like the speed limit 45 sign was covered because the highway is entering the work zone for I-269 (a long project) where the speed limit would normally drop 10 mph... from 55 to 45 or 45 to 35. The advance construction signage only has advisory plaques for 45 instead of a reduced speed zone. That issue should be brought to MDOT's attention since the speed limit signage falls under their jurisdiction.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on March 04, 2018, 10:46:11 AM
US 49 work south of Jackson begins:

http://msbusiness.com/2018/03/group-set-start-work-us-49-south-jackson/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on March 04, 2018, 09:07:42 PM
^ That would be the long-discussed 6-laning between Florence and the truck scales south of I-20.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on March 04, 2018, 09:53:04 PM
Quote from: lordsutch on March 30, 2017, 10:23:59 PM

Realistically I don't know what you can do to fix Woodrow Wilson without screwing up the northbound I-55 alignment, absent wiping out the eastern 1/4 of Belhaven. About the only thing you could do to help with capacity is to get the traffic through Waterworks that is destined for MS 25 across the Pearl River somewhere else by reviving the Airport Parkway concept.

Speaking of the Parkway concept, the Wikipedia entry is outdated. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport_Parkway_(Mississippi) The Wayback Machine saved some bits of the Airport parkway website.
https://web.archive.org/web/20081216155432/http://www.theairportparkway.com:80/ProjectMap.aspx
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on August 17, 2018, 08:55:30 AM
The Interstate 55 expansion project (http://www.wlbt.com/story/38884577/six-lanes-of-i-55-south-in-hinds-county-set-to-open) in South Jackson is basically complete.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on October 26, 2018, 05:02:13 PM
I-269 is now complete!

https://www.google.com/amp/amp.wapt.com/article/last-leg-of-i-269-loop-around-memphis-opens-in-mississippi/24276839
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: brownpelican on February 05, 2019, 10:17:02 AM
MDOT has unveiled a new web site that simplifies the conditions (http://www.wlbt.com/2019/02/05/mdots-new-website-feature-aims-improve-transparency-accountability/?fbclid=IwAR3yw-G6tiMry0wRr47a_PNW4lW6IuAtBGuo0UgHyu-oaS92ANb0AZU5s1w) of roads and bridges in a given area.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on July 24, 2019, 02:05:14 PM
$52.4 million grant has been announced (http://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Public%20Affairs/Lists/News%20Releases/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=ae1b236c%2D924d%2D498c%2Db14e%2Daafec6dc2864&ID=2776&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fspgomdot%2FPublic%2520Affairs%2FPages%2FNews%2DReleases%2Easpx&ContentTypeId=0x010087606675CA7A95408B80E8BFBB944273&IsDlg=2) to complete Corridor V in Mississippi between I-22 and MS 23 near Red Bay, AL.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: SteveG1988 on October 08, 2019, 07:49:36 PM
I was on I-10 today in MS, and i noticed something i meant to bring up before.

What is with the piers on the bridges? some are straight, some are diagonal, some look like they are missing, some are just stone rectangles set in the mud. This is mostly noticed on the Pascaguola river bridge on 10.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: roadman65 on October 19, 2019, 10:26:41 PM
I noticed that unlike the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC and VA, the interstates do connect directly to the Natchez Trace Parkway.  However, at Tupelo there is no access to and from US 45 as I-22 is the sort of connection.  I think that is odd that the interstates have direct connection to this scenic parkway but a US highway does not.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on October 27, 2019, 07:09:56 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 19, 2019, 10:26:41 PM
I noticed that unlike the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC and VA, the interstates do connect directly to the Natchez Trace Parkway.  However, at Tupelo there is no access to and from US 45 as I-22 is the sort of connection.  I think that is odd that the interstates have direct connection to this scenic parkway but a US highway does not.

In Natchez there is a connection to US 61, but not for US 84/98.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: roadman65 on October 28, 2019, 07:09:36 AM
I'm thinking it is done on purpose in both places to keep off local traffic.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on October 28, 2019, 07:56:49 AM
Sometimes connections  can come back to bite you.  In Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway between Brevard and US 70 has become a rush hour bypass.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Tom958 on October 28, 2019, 09:25:07 PM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on October 08, 2019, 07:49:36 PM
I was on I-10 today in MS, and i noticed something i meant to bring up before.

What is with the piers on the bridges? some are straight, some are diagonal, some look like they are missing, some are just stone rectangles set in the mud. This is mostly noticed on the Pascaguola river bridge on 10.

Piles driven into mud don't always behave as predicted and don't always end up as planned.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on December 27, 2019, 01:23:29 PM
There some satellite shots showing the progress of the widening construction of US-49 south of Jackson.
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=32.22304,-90.15383&z=16&t=S
https://satellites.pro/USA_map#32.234648,-90.160289,16

Too bad then back then, they didn't put a wider ROW for US-40 back then because it could had been upgraded to freeway with service roads.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: sparker on December 29, 2019, 11:35:23 PM
Quote from: Tom958 on October 28, 2019, 09:25:07 PM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on October 08, 2019, 07:49:36 PM
I was on I-10 today in MS, and i noticed something i meant to bring up before.

What is with the piers on the bridges? some are straight, some are diagonal, some look like they are missing, some are just stone rectangles set in the mud. This is mostly noticed on the Pascaguola river bridge on 10.

Piles driven into mud don't always behave as predicted and don't always end up as planned.

Any time bridge bents don't reach bedrock, some sort of anchorage (caissons, etc.) must be devised that distributes the weight of the bridge deck without severe settling.  Out here in CA that comes into play more with sandy riverbed bottoms than mud (except on I-5 between Stockton and Sacramento) -- but the general principle is the same.  Sounds like MSDOT either "cheaped out" or has repeatedly miscalculated the weight loads.  BTW, I get this info from my Caltrans bridge-engineer cousin!
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: berberry on February 15, 2020, 04:54:10 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 19, 2019, 10:26:41 PM
I noticed that unlike the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC and VA, the interstates do connect directly to the Natchez Trace Parkway.  However, at Tupelo there is no access to and from US 45 as I-22 is the sort of connection.  I think that is odd that the interstates have direct connection to this scenic parkway but a US highway does not.

It's been a few years since I drove through there, but I believe there is an exit from the Natchez Trace at McCullough Blvd, which at the time the parkway was built was US Hwy 78. I suppose the parkway's designers didn't want two interchanges so close together as would have been required for a connection to US 45.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: HemiCRZ on June 17, 2020, 02:15:52 PM
The Greenville Bypass has been revived with another funding boost from the Federal Government. Mississippi seems to be on a roll with securing federal dollars lately. First the SR 76 project as part of Corridor V, and now the Greenville Bypass, and then MDOT also dabbling back into the SR 601 project on the coast.


Here's the press release for Greenville:
https://mdot.ms.gov/portal/news_release_view/255

And MDOT's project page for SR 601:
https://mdot.ms.gov/applications/five_year_plan/Views/Details.aspx?Proj=101212/101100
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on June 17, 2020, 05:51:20 PM
Not sure you'll see much on SR 601 in the forseeable future.  MDOT lost a lawsuit in the early 2010s regarding wetland conservation, which was necessary since the project to connect the Port of Gulfport to I-10 at the time anticipated filling in 182 acres of wetlands.  So they've had to start over from scratch on the location and environmental studies.  Only thing I know of that has survived is an at-grade upgrade of 30th Ave in Gulfport with a new overpass over US 90 directly into the Port.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: roadman65 on December 01, 2020, 10:48:40 AM
I have some I-69 photos in Mississippi to see.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/albums/72157717022905981
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Georgia on December 01, 2020, 06:19:38 PM
that is one heck of a casino access road for a dwindling amount of casinos. 
for as light as the traffic can be and as new as the interstate is, the concrete pavement is in surprisingly rough shape especially that first 5 miles after 55. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: The Ghostbuster on December 01, 2020, 08:58:51 PM
I wonder if any of us will live to see any more of Interstate 69 constructed within Mississippi.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: roadman65 on December 25, 2020, 10:16:55 AM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/albums/72157651113293265

Some MS Road photos from over a decade ago and this past Summer.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on December 25, 2020, 01:28:28 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 25, 2020, 10:16:55 AM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/albums/72157651113293265

Some MS Road photos from over a decade ago and this past Summer.

When did Mississippi switch to blue-isn signs on the parkway?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/50337281586/in/album-72157651113293265/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on December 25, 2020, 02:22:18 PM
Wonder if that could be a city install.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Georgia on December 28, 2020, 08:11:17 AM
That is a city of Tupelo install, the Trace still uses the brown signs. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on December 28, 2020, 04:37:30 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 01, 2020, 08:58:51 PM
I wonder if any of us will live to see any more of Interstate 69 constructed within Mississippi.

I am not holding my breath. I don't even know if any portions of it are shovel-ready in case a big infrastructure bill was to land. Then again, Mississippi has a lot of bridges that need replacing across the state as well as other needs that would need to be considered along with new I-69 construction.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on December 28, 2020, 05:06:56 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on December 28, 2020, 04:37:30 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 01, 2020, 08:58:51 PM
I wonder if any of us will live to see any more of Interstate 69 constructed within Mississippi.

I am not holding my breath. I don't even know if any portions of it are shovel-ready in case a big infrastructure bill was to land. Then again, Mississippi has a lot of bridges that need replacing across the state as well as other needs that would need to be considered along with new I-69 construction.

That goes for Arkansas, as well: lots of old bridges
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on December 28, 2020, 05:16:15 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 28, 2020, 05:06:56 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on December 28, 2020, 04:37:30 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 01, 2020, 08:58:51 PM
I wonder if any of us will live to see any more of Interstate 69 constructed within Mississippi.

I am not holding my breath. I don't even know if any portions of it are shovel-ready in case a big infrastructure bill was to land. Then again, Mississippi has a lot of bridges that need replacing across the state as well as other needs that would need to be considered along with new I-69 construction.

That goes for Arkansas, as well: lots of old bridges

At least Arkansas has a new revenue stream to get the ball rolling on its segments of I-69, even if they are only two-lane segments with occasional at-grade intersections. To my knowledge, Mississippi doesn't even have that.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: US71 on December 28, 2020, 05:29:31 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on December 28, 2020, 05:16:15 PM

At least Arkansas has a new revenue stream to get the ball rolling on its segments of I-69, even if they are only two-lane segments with occasional at-grade intersections. To my knowledge, Mississippi doesn't even have that.

And they are good at wasting it,
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: bwana39 on January 03, 2021, 01:08:14 AM
I think the roads Arkansas is building make sense regardless of whether I-69 gets built. They have not wasted anything. The regional transportation in east central Arkansas is pretty dismal. It is mostly still on pre-WWII alignments. It tends to go from community to community instead of make a straight path towards anything. Bypassing towns with 25mph speed limits, opening up 55 to 65 mph rural roads. If they can convince Little Rock it is just getting ready for I-69 good for them.

While I rail on about the great river Bridge and the routing of I-69 in Arkansas (and to a lesser extent Mississippi), I realistically don't see either being built in the next 30 years and frankly that is beyond any sort of real long-term planning.

Arkansas is Committed to I-530. I-69 is on the back burner behind I-57 and I-49.  Might even see a push for I-57 to Monroe , LA pass I-69. If they actually start building freeway toward the bridge Mississippi will figure out something even if it is just a rural 4-lane to I-55.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on January 03, 2021, 12:08:01 PM
A four-lane upgrade to MS 8 could work.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on January 04, 2021, 11:37:28 AM
MDOT has a design build project in the works to widen, rehabilitate, or replace multiple bridges along I-20/59 in Meridian. This will also include the installation of ITS infrastructure.

https://mdot.ms.gov/portal/design_build_view/24
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: kenarmy on January 16, 2021, 01:58:56 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on December 28, 2020, 04:37:30 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 01, 2020, 08:58:51 PM
I wonder if any of us will live to see any more of Interstate 69 constructed within Mississippi.

I am not holding my breath. I don't even know if any portions of it are shovel-ready in case a big infrastructure bill was to land. Then again, Mississippi has a lot of bridges that need replacing across the state as well as other needs that would need to be considered along with new I-69 construction.

Probably nothing major. Maybe between US 61 and 55 it's somewhat important but 69 and 269 are very unnecessary in Mississippi. I live here and I only have been on 69 when I'm going to Memphis and it's concurrent with 55. I've never been on 269. I'd rather see 49 get expanded or a water works curve improvement.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: bwana39 on January 17, 2021, 11:01:25 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on January 16, 2021, 01:58:56 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on December 28, 2020, 04:37:30 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 01, 2020, 08:58:51 PM
I wonder if any of us will live to see any more of Interstate 69 constructed within Mississippi.

I am not holding my breath. I don't even know if any portions of it are shovel-ready in case a big infrastructure bill was to land. Then again, Mississippi has a lot of bridges that need replacing across the state as well as other needs that would need to be considered along with new I-69 construction.

Probably nothing major. Maybe between US 61 and 55 it's somewhat important but 69 and 269 are very unnecessary in Mississippi. I live here and I only have been on 69 when I'm going to Memphis and it's concurrent with 55. I've never been on 269. I'd rather see 49 get expanded or a water works curve improvement.

I think this sums up the Mississippi attitude.  A (needed) curve modification in metro Jackson and US-49 going from Jackson to Hattiesburg then on to Gulfport or Biloxi far outweigh the I-69 project. For Mississippi, it is going to be a stretch to build the less than ten miles to the bridge and their share of the bridge if it were to be built either directly west of the MS-304/US-61 intersection or pretty much due west of the current southern terminus of I-69. Building 100 more miles that holds virtually zero reward for the people of Mississippi that live and work south of the I-20 corridor is going to be a non-starter.  US Senator Wicker is from Northwest MS and Senator Hyde-Smith is from south MS. While Wicker was a close ally of Former Senator Trent Lott,  I don't think he holds the affinity for the delta that Lott did.

I think the state legislature would be less open to it than even the US senators.


Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Brooks on January 17, 2021, 11:21:33 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on January 16, 2021, 01:58:56 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on December 28, 2020, 04:37:30 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 01, 2020, 08:58:51 PM
I wonder if any of us will live to see any more of Interstate 69 constructed within Mississippi.

I am not holding my breath. I don't even know if any portions of it are shovel-ready in case a big infrastructure bill was to land. Then again, Mississippi has a lot of bridges that need replacing across the state as well as other needs that would need to be considered along with new I-69 construction.

Probably nothing major. Maybe between US 61 and 55 it's somewhat important but 69 and 269 are very unnecessary in Mississippi. I live here and I only have been on 69 when I'm going to Memphis and it's concurrent with 55. I've never been on 269. I'd rather see 49 get expanded or a water works curve improvement.
I can tell you've never driven on 269 before because it is far from unnecessary. The areas around Lewisburg and Hernando are constantly adding new homes and Olive Branch is slowly but surely trying to expand to the south toward 269. Plus, if you've ever driven MS 302 through Southaven and Olive Branch you will see the benefit of having 269. However I would have to agree on 69 past Tunica. Mississippi simply has bigger fish to fry and their budget barely allows for maintenance of current infrastructure.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: kenarmy on January 17, 2021, 11:52:56 PM
Quote from: Brooks on January 17, 2021, 11:21:33 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on January 16, 2021, 01:58:56 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on December 28, 2020, 04:37:30 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 01, 2020, 08:58:51 PM
I wonder if any of us will live to see any more of Interstate 69 constructed within Mississippi.

I am not holding my breath. I don't even know if any portions of it are shovel-ready in case a big infrastructure bill was to land. Then again, Mississippi has a lot of bridges that need replacing across the state as well as other needs that would need to be considered along with new I-69 construction.

Probably nothing major. Maybe between US 61 and 55 it's somewhat important but 69 and 269 are very unnecessary in Mississippi. I live here and I only have been on 69 when I'm going to Memphis and it's concurrent with 55. I've never been on 269. I'd rather see 49 get expanded or a water works curve improvement.
I can tell you've never driven on 269 before because it is far from unnecessary. The areas around Lewisburg and Hernando are constantly adding new homes and Olive Branch is slowly but surely trying to expand to the south toward 269. Plus, if you've ever driven MS 302 through Southaven and Olive Branch you will see the benefit of having 269. However I would have to agree on 69 past Tunica. Mississippi simply has bigger fish to fry and their budget barely allows for maintenance of current infrastructure.
Yes, I have been on 302 in Southaven but I don't see the benefit. I understand what you mean by expansion, but I don't see how this interstate can do that many more wonders than an expanded 304 could. No one is using 269 for through traffic except for drivers on 22 who want to get to 55. The route bypasses Memphis, but using 55, 240, and 40 to its terminus is  faster.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: kenarmy on February 06, 2021, 09:43:46 PM
What is Up with MS 16's routing near canton? MS 16 goes south with MS 43 just as it enters canton, then it leaves the concurrency and continues west on Nissan Parkway. Then it goes back NE to Canton and finally goes West on its route. This routing doesn't make sense. Is it because 16 is supposed to be a truck route? Even Google Maps shows 16 doing the logical thing and just continuing west on Peace Street.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.6033789,-90.0632763,13.25z

If 16 just used Peace Street, it would be 6 minutes between its independent sections instead of 13. That doesn't seem like a lot, but it's just one smaller city. And I also wonder why 22 wasn't extended to connect with 43.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on February 20, 2021, 09:59:42 PM
MS 16 was moved to the Canton Pkwy bypass between US 51 and MS 43 in the past couple of years. I assume the city did not want the truck traffic on Peace St east of US 51 anymore, so they asked MDOT to move MS 16 to the bypass and took over maintenance of Peace St from US 51 to MS 43.

Quote from: kenarmy on February 06, 2021, 09:43:46 PM
What is Up with MS 16's routing near canton? MS 16 goes south with MS 43 just as it enters canton, then it leaves the concurrency and continues west on Nissan Parkway. Then it goes back NE to Canton and finally goes West on its route. This routing doesn't make sense. Is it because 16 is supposed to be a truck route? Even Google Maps shows 16 doing the logical thing and just continuing west on Peace Street.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.6033789,-90.0632763,13.25z

If 16 just used Peace Street, it would be 6 minutes between its independent sections instead of 13. That doesn't seem like a lot, but it's just one smaller city. And I also wonder why 22 wasn't extended to connect with 43.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: kenarmy on February 20, 2021, 10:33:40 PM
Quote from: rel4 on February 20, 2021, 09:59:42 PM
MS 16 was moved to the Canton Pkwy bypass between US 51 and MS 43 in the past couple of years. I assume the city did not want the truck traffic on Peace St east of US 51 anymore, so they asked MDOT to move MS 16 to the bypass and took over maintenance of Peace St from US 51 to MS 43.

Quote from: kenarmy on February 06, 2021, 09:43:46 PM
What is Up with MS 16's routing near canton? MS 16 goes south with MS 43 just as it enters canton, then it leaves the concurrency and continues west on Nissan Parkway. Then it goes back NE to Canton and finally goes West on its route. This routing doesn't make sense. Is it because 16 is supposed to be a truck route? Even Google Maps shows 16 doing the logical thing and just continuing west on Peace Street.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.6033789,-90.0632763,13.25z

If 16 just used Peace Street, it would be 6 minutes between its independent sections instead of 13. That doesn't seem like a lot, but it's just one smaller city. And I also wonder why 22 wasn't extended to connect with 43.

Ohh. But when they had this change, I wonder why they didn't have 16 follow I-55 from the North Canton exit to Nissan Parkway.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on February 26, 2021, 07:30:41 PM
If I had to guess, everybody was fine with MS 16 (and its truck traffic) staying on US 51 through downtown.

Quote from: kenarmy on February 20, 2021, 10:33:40 PM
Quote from: rel4 on February 20, 2021, 09:59:42 PM
MS 16 was moved to the Canton Pkwy bypass between US 51 and MS 43 in the past couple of years. I assume the city did not want the truck traffic on Peace St east of US 51 anymore, so they asked MDOT to move MS 16 to the bypass and took over maintenance of Peace St from US 51 to MS 43.

Quote from: kenarmy on February 06, 2021, 09:43:46 PM
What is Up with MS 16's routing near canton? MS 16 goes south with MS 43 just as it enters canton, then it leaves the concurrency and continues west on Nissan Parkway. Then it goes back NE to Canton and finally goes West on its route. This routing doesn't make sense. Is it because 16 is supposed to be a truck route? Even Google Maps shows 16 doing the logical thing and just continuing west on Peace Street.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.6033789,-90.0632763,13.25z

If 16 just used Peace Street, it would be 6 minutes between its independent sections instead of 13. That doesn't seem like a lot, but it's just one smaller city. And I also wonder why 22 wasn't extended to connect with 43.

Ohh. But when they had this change, I wonder why they didn't have 16 follow I-55 from the North Canton exit to Nissan Parkway.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: kenarmy on February 27, 2021, 02:01:00 PM
Quote from: rel4 on February 26, 2021, 07:30:41 PM
If I had to guess, everybody was fine with MS 16 (and its truck traffic) staying on US 51 through downtown.

Quote from: kenarmy on February 20, 2021, 10:33:40 PM
Quote from: rel4 on February 20, 2021, 09:59:42 PM
MS 16 was moved to the Canton Pkwy bypass between US 51 and MS 43 in the past couple of years. I assume the city did not want the truck traffic on Peace St east of US 51 anymore, so they asked MDOT to move MS 16 to the bypass and took over maintenance of Peace St from US 51 to MS 43.

Quote from: kenarmy on February 06, 2021, 09:43:46 PM
What is Up with MS 16's routing near canton? MS 16 goes south with MS 43 just as it enters canton, then it leaves the concurrency and continues west on Nissan Parkway. Then it goes back NE to Canton and finally goes West on its route. This routing doesn't make sense. Is it because 16 is supposed to be a truck route? Even Google Maps shows 16 doing the logical thing and just continuing west on Peace Street.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.6033789,-90.0632763,13.25z

If 16 just used Peace Street, it would be 6 minutes between its independent sections instead of 13. That doesn't seem like a lot, but it's just one smaller city. And I also wonder why 22 wasn't extended to connect with 43.

Ohh. But when they had this change, I wonder why they didn't have 16 follow I-55 from the North Canton exit to Nissan Parkway.

I just drove on Nissan Parkway, and it appears 16 has in fact been moved to 55, this had to be really recent because signage in this area is erroneous. Or Mdot doesn't want people to know
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on March 18, 2021, 10:30:12 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on February 27, 2021, 02:01:00 PM
I just drove on Nissan Parkway, and it appears 16 has in fact been moved to 55, this had to be really recent because signage in this area is erroneous. Or Mdot doesn't want people to know
The Nissan Pkwy/Canton Pkwy bypass has always been MDOT maintained since it was built. But the route was always unnumbered until the MS 16 relocation. The western half of the bypass from MS 22 to US 51 remains MDOT maintained but unnumbered.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: kenarmy on April 06, 2021, 12:14:15 AM
I'm back with more questions  :sombrero:.

Was MS 18 ever officially split, and does it have a concurrency with I-20 or US 80? I remember seeing somewhere in a log "East" and "West". But it's obvious now it has a hidden concurrency with one of the routes. MS 18 is signed as if it connects to US 80, but signs on I-20 suggests that it doesn't make it that far.

And US 51 is confusing.. Google maps, imaps, and most other maps show 51 using all of State Street, but it was moved from this alignment over 50 years ago! US 49 formerly used Medgar Evers Boulevard and Woodrow Wilson, but signage is strict on the fact 49 doesn't use the road anymore and maps are too. I think MDOT is just trying to fool people because they never removed the signs at the US 80 junction and signage along the 55 concurrency only occur past the state street exit.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on April 06, 2021, 07:45:51 AM
Speaking from personal experience, MDOT is one of the worst in the nation when it comes to route signage.

20 years ago when I was stationed in Mississippi, I asked about MS 18 and the response I got was mixed.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on April 17, 2021, 07:47:02 PM
Quote from: froggie on April 06, 2021, 07:45:51 AM

Speaking from personal experience, MDOT is one of the worst in the nation when it comes to route signage.


Arkansas would like for you to hold its beer.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on April 17, 2021, 11:18:49 PM
I've been to both extensively.  I'd argue MDOT is worse than ARDOT.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rawmustard on August 31, 2021, 09:21:32 AM
There was a sinkhole in Highway 26 west of Lucedale (https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/mississippi-highway-collapses-killed-10-injured-79740741), most likely a result of Ida. Two people are dead and 10 others are injured as seven vehicles had plunged into the hole.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on September 05, 2021, 10:56:03 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 06, 2021, 12:14:15 AM
I'm back with more questions  :sombrero:.

Was MS 18 ever officially split, and does it have a concurrency with I-20 or US 80? I remember seeing somewhere in a log "East" and "West". But it's obvious now it has a hidden concurrency with one of the routes. MS 18 is signed as if it connects to US 80, but signs on I-20 suggests that it doesn't make it that far.

And US 51 is confusing.. Google maps, imaps, and most other maps show 51 using all of State Street, but it was moved from this alignment over 50 years ago! US 49 formerly used Medgar Evers Boulevard and Woodrow Wilson, but signage is strict on the fact 49 doesn't use the road anymore and maps are too. I think MDOT is just trying to fool people because they never removed the signs at the US 80 junction and signage along the 55 concurrency only occur past the state street exit.

MS 18 does not have a concurrency on US 80 or I-20. Never has had one. Miss. Code Ann. § 65-3-3 says the route runs from Port Gibson to US 80 in Jackson, then restarts at US 80 in Brandon and heads east. The signage is correct.

The remaining US 51 signs at US 80 in theory should be removed or changed to "To US 51" to match the "To I-55" signage. I'd chalk it up as an oversight especially since everything at the interchange is antiquated. MDOT eventually removed all of the green signage at I-20 that indicate US 51 using State St.  State St itself does not have any US 51 signage north of US 80.

MDOT moved US 49 off Medgar Evers Blvd and Woodrow Wilson Ave in 1987 and changed the signage correctly at that time. Unlike other old sections of US 49 that became MS 149, MDOT relinquished all control back to the city.

The Google maps, in many aspects, are not right. I'm not sure how they show US 51 using State St especially since it hasn't been a state maintained highway since either the mid 1950s or the early 1970s depending on the section.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 06, 2021, 10:39:33 AM
Quote from: rel4
MS 18 does not have a concurrency on US 80 or I-20. Never has had one. Miss. Code Ann. § 65-3-3 says the route runs from Port Gibson to US 80 in Jackson, then restarts at US 80 in Brandon and heads east. The signage is correct.

It was signed in the past as having one.  Not consistently, but certainly at the "endpoints" way back when I was stationed in Mississippi.  I also felt that there was (still is?) a lot of ambiguity in how the Legislature coded the state highway routes.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on October 09, 2021, 03:27:09 PM
Another inconsistency that I would appreciate if someone could field check:  are MS 4 and MS 7 signed along the northern Holly Springs bypass route the county built about a decade ago?  GMSV is inconsistent and in many cases not very recent.  And if the bypass is indeed signed as 4/7, have MS 4/MS 7 shields been removed through town?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on October 12, 2021, 01:32:05 PM
MDOT has a two month advertisement for the US 82 Greenville bypass between MS 1 and Leland. It will be a 70 mph freeway. (https://mdot.ms.gov/bidsystem_data/20211026/PLANDATA/102134302.pdf)

Question I have is about the base and pave for the part between the Mississippi River bridge and MS 1. When will that happen?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Georgia on October 12, 2021, 09:40:05 PM
Quote from: froggie on October 09, 2021, 03:27:09 PM
Another inconsistency that I would appreciate if someone could field check:  are MS 4 and MS 7 signed along the northern Holly Springs bypass route the county built about a decade ago?  GMSV is inconsistent and in many cases not very recent.  And if the bypass is indeed signed as 4/7, have MS 4/MS 7 shields been removed through town?

I will check it out for you next Monday on my drive to Memphis
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Georgia on October 19, 2021, 12:32:19 AM
Quote from: froggie on October 09, 2021, 03:27:09 PM
Another inconsistency that I would appreciate if someone could field check:  are MS 4 and MS 7 signed along the northern Holly Springs bypass route the county built about a decade ago?  GMSV is inconsistent and in many cases not very recent.  And if the bypass is indeed signed as 4/7, have MS 4/MS 7 shields been removed through town?

Checked it out today.  The only sign of either state route is a section of 4 detoured over the bypass.

The detour for 4 is signed on the bypass from MS 7 to Salem Road(where you turn left to stay on westbound 4).  4 is under construction over a railroad bridge east of downtown (couldnt get close but would assume they are building a new bridge).  7 never uses the bypass, it just cuts across it at a 4 way stop intersection.  4 and 7 shields are still prevalent through town as one would expect as guide signs. 

edit: article about the bridge replacement https://www.southreporter.com/news/bridge-project-starting-soon
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on October 24, 2021, 01:26:39 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on October 12, 2021, 01:32:05 PM
MDOT has a two month advertisement for the US 82 Greenville bypass between MS 1 and Leland. It will be a 70 mph freeway. (https://mdot.ms.gov/bidsystem_data/20211026/PLANDATA/102134302.pdf)

Question I have is about the base and pave for the part between the Mississippi River bridge and MS 1. When will that happen?

I don't know.  I don't understand why Highway 454 between Highway 1 and the bridge was not used as a right of way for the new Highway 82.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rel4 on October 25, 2021, 09:02:33 PM
On bigger projects like a 4 lane conversion, MDOT historically would bid the grading, drainage, and bridges as one project. As that neared completion, then they would bid the paving work. MS 477/West Rankin Pkwy was built this way; the paving contract is now underway. For US 82, I suspect MDOT will bid paving the full freeway and tying both ends back to existing US 82 at one time toward the end of the project advertising now.

If US 82 will be a 70 mph freeway with full access control, then it is better to buy farmland without needing to consider property access instead of having to construct Frontage Roads to access property on either side of MS 454.

Quote from: cbalducc on October 24, 2021, 01:26:39 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on October 12, 2021, 01:32:05 PM
MDOT has a two month advertisement for the US 82 Greenville bypass between MS 1 and Leland. It will be a 70 mph freeway. (https://mdot.ms.gov/bidsystem_data/20211026/PLANDATA/102134302.pdf)

Question I have is about the base and pave for the part between the Mississippi River bridge and MS 1. When will that happen?

I don't know.  I don't understand why Highway 454 between Highway 1 and the bridge was not used as a right of way for the new Highway 82.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on October 27, 2021, 05:00:17 PM
When Highway 49 is widened south of Jackson between Richland and Florence, how many lanes will it have?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on October 27, 2021, 05:04:28 PM
3 each way
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on October 27, 2021, 05:12:32 PM
Quote from: froggie on October 27, 2021, 05:04:28 PM
3 each way


It's a shame they had to cut down those crepe myrtles.  But I guess when that Highway was initially landscaped no one thought urbanization would go that way.
I also thought there would be eight lanes after widening.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on October 28, 2021, 09:04:56 PM
There needs to be a new 49/59 interchange in Hattiesburg.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: HemiCRZ on November 09, 2021, 12:26:57 AM
Quote from: cbalducc on October 28, 2021, 09:04:56 PM
There needs to be a new 49/59 interchange in Hattiesburg.

Absolutely agreed. There seems to be an accident or heavy congestion there every single day. The MS 42/EGP interchange could have been postponed in favor of using those funds to rebuild the US 49/I-59 interchange. Don't get me started about how overly massive the EGP/59 interchange is, for no reason.

Also, can we talk about I-14? The infrastructure package authorized the corridor and officially designated it. In Mississippi, the proposed route would be US 84 from Natchez to Laurel, then a concurrency with I-59 north to I-20 to form a I-20/59/14 concurrrency to the Alabama border.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/local-transportation-leaders-share-impact-federal-infrastructure-bill-will-have-for-i-14-i-214-projects/ar-AAQtfIU?ocid=BingNewsSearch
https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2021/11/08/local-leaders-elated-at-passage-of-1-trillion-infrastructure-bill-that-includes-i-14/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Rothman on November 09, 2021, 06:58:52 AM
I have yet to see an article that states how much money is attached to I-14.  If it is to come out of existing apportionments rather than an increase or through some separate additional program, it could be a very long time before any design is performed on new segments, let alone construction.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on November 17, 2021, 06:41:37 PM
Quote from: HemiCRZ on November 09, 2021, 12:26:57 AM
Quote from: cbalducc on October 28, 2021, 09:04:56 PM
There needs to be a new 49/59 interchange in Hattiesburg.

Absolutely agreed. There seems to be an accident or heavy congestion there every single day. The MS 42/EGP interchange could have been postponed in favor of using those funds to rebuild the US 49/I-59 interchange. Don't get me started about how overly massive the EGP/59 interchange

The main issue I have is the intersection with Classic Drive is too close to the 49/59 interchange. The problem is there are businesses and apartments and access can't be cut off.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on November 18, 2021, 09:46:14 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on November 17, 2021, 06:41:37 PM
Quote from: HemiCRZ on November 09, 2021, 12:26:57 AM
Quote from: cbalducc on October 28, 2021, 09:04:56 PM
There needs to be a new 49/59 interchange in Hattiesburg.

Absolutely agreed. There seems to be an accident or heavy congestion there every single day. The MS 42/EGP interchange could have been postponed in favor of using those funds to rebuild the US 49/I-59 interchange. Don't get me started about how overly massive the EGP/59 interchange

The main issue I have is the intersection with Classic Drive is too close to the 49/59 interchange. The problem is there are businesses and apartments and access can't be cut off.
All of that will have to be relocated if a new interchange is planned.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on November 18, 2021, 10:49:23 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on November 18, 2021, 09:46:14 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on November 17, 2021, 06:41:37 PM
Quote from: HemiCRZ on November 09, 2021, 12:26:57 AM
Quote from: cbalducc on October 28, 2021, 09:04:56 PM
There needs to be a new 49/59 interchange in Hattiesburg.

Absolutely agreed. There seems to be an accident or heavy congestion there every single day. The MS 42/EGP interchange could have been postponed in favor of using those funds to rebuild the US 49/I-59 interchange. Don't get me started about how overly massive the EGP/59 interchange

The main issue I have is the intersection with Classic Drive is too close to the 49/59 interchange. The problem is there are businesses and apartments and access can't be cut off.
All of that will have to be relocated if a new interchange is planned.

And that requires money people can't or won't spend.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on November 19, 2021, 03:06:43 PM
There is a four-lane Highway 27 in the works between Vicksburg and Crystal Springs.  I didn't think there was enough traffic to warrant it, but maybe the actual purpose is to provide a quicker route between Vicksburg and New Orleans without going through Jackson.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on November 23, 2021, 01:17:03 AM
Quote from: cbalducc on November 19, 2021, 03:06:43 PM
There is a four-lane Highway 27 in the works between Vicksburg and Crystal Springs.  I didn't think there was enough traffic to warrant it, but maybe the actual purpose is to provide a quicker route between Vicksburg and New Orleans without going through Jackson.
They made Ms 8 four lanes between Cleveland & Ruleville, so why not for Ms 27.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 23, 2021, 10:02:49 AM
^ Because MS 8 has noticeably higher traffic volumes than MS 27.  8 averages between 6-7K between Cleveland and Ruleville, while much of MS 27 is below 4K and none of it gets above 5K except right within Vicksburg.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on November 25, 2021, 01:06:48 PM
I think improving Highway 49 from Jackson to Gulfport should be the most important project.  If the state gets a big chunk of money from Uncle Sam, they should start planning on it.
  We should have raised our gas tax years ago.  This lottery is providing peanuts for the roads. 
Think of the money squandered on building an I-10 spur to the Port of Gulfport. Someone got rich off that scheme.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Tom958 on November 25, 2021, 06:46:18 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on November 25, 2021, 01:06:48 PM
I think improving Highway 49 from Jackson to Gulfport should be the most important project.  If the state gets a big chunk of money from Uncle Sam, they should start planning on it.

Do you have any specific ideas as to what should be done? I ask because someone I spoke with in a Facebook group said that southbound roadway was excessively hilly in places since it dates from the 1930s or earlier.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: kenarmy on November 25, 2021, 08:00:23 PM
Quote from: Tom958 on November 25, 2021, 06:46:18 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on November 25, 2021, 01:06:48 PM
I think improving Highway 49 from Jackson to Gulfport should be the most important project.  If the state gets a big chunk of money from Uncle Sam, they should start planning on it.

Do you have any specific ideas as to what should be done? I ask because someone I spoke with in a Facebook group said that southbound roadway was excessively hilly in places since it dates from the 1930s or earlier.
Yes it is very hilly. Usually there isn't a lot of traffic.. but in Rankin County and near Hattiesburg it's a MESS.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on November 25, 2021, 10:01:30 PM
Quote from: Tom958 on November 25, 2021, 06:46:18 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on November 25, 2021, 01:06:48 PM
I think improving Highway 49 from Jackson to Gulfport should be the most important project.  If the state gets a big chunk of money from Uncle Sam, they should start planning on it.

Do you have any specific ideas as to what should be done? I ask because someone I spoke with in a Facebook group said that southbound roadway was excessively hilly in places since it dates from the 1930s or earlier.
The southbound lanes need to be made level with the northbound lanes.  Also, new pavement and bridges.  And a new interchange with I-59 at Hattiesburg.
I don't know why the lanes weren't made level when the four-landing was done.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Tom958 on November 25, 2021, 10:23:48 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on November 25, 2021, 10:01:30 PM
I don't know why the lanes weren't made level when the four-laning was done.

Because the old roadway had been judged adequate for two-way traffic and was therefore obviously adequate for one-way traffic.  :bigass:

Now, of course, traffic is heavier and standards have changed, along with driver expectation. Fortunately, the 100-foot median should make it relatively easy to fix the profile deficiencies.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Georgia on November 27, 2021, 03:22:12 PM
Money and time are the reasons the lanes werent leveled likely, those are usually the 2 primary reasons.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: bwana39 on November 28, 2021, 04:22:11 PM
Quote from: Rothman on November 09, 2021, 06:58:52 AM
I have yet to see an article that states how much money is attached to I-14.  If it is to come out of existing apportionments rather than an increase or through some separate additional program, it could be a very long time before any design is performed on new segments, let alone construction.

I-14 doesn't seem to be on any state's radar. Not even Texas or Georgia the two states whose Senators were the champions of it (Warnock & Cruz). I think back in the days of earmarks, there might have been some funds sent that way. In today's climate where the states actually control the funds they are allotted, Interstate 14 beyond Texas for sure and most likely beyond the current incarnation are likely just what they are; items on a consent agenda. Non-binding suggestions made by local Senators and rubber stamped by the entire Senate. Authorizing it is not a big step forward. I can authorize my wife to spend millions of dollars on a new purse and if the money is there she might choose to spend it on that. She might choose to spend it on a different want or need.  More likely (and absolutely the case for us,) is we certainly don't have the money PERIOD.



Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on November 29, 2021, 10:40:38 AM
I don't see I-69 being completed across the Mississippi Delta.  With our poor economy and declining population, it won't draw new residents here.  And I don't know how much longer the casinos in Tunica County will last. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on November 29, 2021, 10:44:16 AM
Quote from: Tom958 on November 25, 2021, 10:23:48 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on November 25, 2021, 10:01:30 PM
I don't know why the lanes weren't made level when the four-laning was done.

Because the old roadway had been judged adequate for two-way traffic and was therefore obviously adequate for one-way traffic.  :bigass:

Now, of course, traffic is heavier and standards have changed, along with driver expectation. Fortunately, the 100-foot median should make it relatively easy to fix the profile deficiencies.

If you know anything about highway engineering and construction, how would you upgrade 49.  One county at a time? 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 29, 2021, 02:04:37 PM
One control section at a time.  MDOT has already done some of that south of Wiggins.  I distinctly remember a reconstruction project near McHenry when I was stationed at Stennis.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on November 30, 2021, 01:32:37 AM
Quote from: froggie on November 29, 2021, 02:04:37 PM
One control section at a time.  MDOT has already done some of that south of Wiggins.  I distinctly remember a reconstruction project near McHenry when I was stationed at Stennis.


That's how they widened US 61 from Vicksburg to the Louisiana State Line, over the years.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 30, 2021, 10:30:10 AM
That's how they did virtually ALL of their 4-lane network over the past 25 years...not just US 61.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on November 30, 2021, 12:54:51 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 29, 2021, 02:04:37 PM
One control section at a time.  MDOT has already done some of that south of Wiggins.  I distinctly remember a reconstruction project near McHenry when I was stationed at Stennis.


What is a control section?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: HemiCRZ on November 30, 2021, 10:29:52 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on November 30, 2021, 12:54:51 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 29, 2021, 02:04:37 PM
One control section at a time.  MDOT has already done some of that south of Wiggins.  I distinctly remember a reconstruction project near McHenry when I was stationed at Stennis.


What is a control section?

I may be wrong on this, I'm no engineer, but essentially its a section of roadway where access control is implemented. In the case of US 49 between Jackson and Gulfport, you could start with the rural sections of the highway first and implement grade seperations and access control, removing the crossovers and such.

Overall, MDOT has been actively improving 49 ever since Vision 21. Most recently, the widening from I-20 to Florence, and the addition of a southbound shoulder through Covington and Forrest/Stone counties. These safety projects have also eliminated a lot of the median crossovers.

Largely though, even as MDOT has made improvements, they've also signalized more intersections, such as MS 42 at US 49 and several stoplights through Collins. I remember driving through Collins at one point and only having 2 or 3 lights. Now there are 5 or so.

At this point it may be more cost effective to build a new facility. I've been of the opinion that a toll road authority should come in and construct a six-lane controlled access US 49 from I-20 to I-10 parallel to the existing US 49.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Tom958 on December 01, 2021, 05:42:36 AM
Quote from: cbalducc on November 30, 2021, 12:54:51 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 29, 2021, 02:04:37 PM
One control section at a time.  MDOT has already done some of that south of Wiggins.  I distinctly remember a reconstruction project near McHenry when I was stationed at Stennis.


What is a control section?

First Google result, from Texas: "Control sections provide a convenient and reliable linear referencing method for locating features along a roadway. Control sections generally do not move or change, regardless of changes to the route name or number. A control section number consists of six digits (e.g. 0115-02)."
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on December 01, 2021, 10:12:41 AM
Quote from: cbalducc on November 30, 2021, 12:54:51 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 29, 2021, 02:04:37 PM
One control section at a time.  MDOT has already done some of that south of Wiggins.  I distinctly remember a reconstruction project near McHenry when I was stationed at Stennis.


What is a control section?

From MnDOT's glossary (http://www.dot.state.mn.us/tda/glossary.html):

QuoteControl Section - state highway road system segment that is divided into shorter, more manageable parts for record keeping.

I'm not sure what MDOT's equivalents would be.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on December 01, 2021, 12:24:13 PM


Overall, MDOT has been actively improving 49 ever since Vision 21. Most recently, the widening from I-20 to Florence, and the addition of a southbound shoulder through Covington and Forrest/Stone counties. These safety projects have also eliminated a lot of the median crossovers.

Largely though, even as MDOT has made improvements, they've also signalized more intersections, such as MS 42 at US 49 and several stoplights through Collins. I remember driving through Collins at one point and only having 2 or 3 lights. Now there are 5 or so.
[/quote]

I remember when no stoplights were on Highway 49 through Collins.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on December 12, 2021, 02:15:48 PM
I can think of at least four towns that can be bypassed by Highway 8 - Calhoun City, Derma, Vardaman, and Houston.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: formulanone on January 23, 2022, 04:00:44 PM
I was looking through my photos of I-269, and there was an exit under construction for McIngvale Road. Recent GSV (November 2021) shows it as Exit 1. (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8685105,-89.9595253,3a,75y,250.58h,89.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3FsHbYdiClaPKsXAG0VgTA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)

But Exit 1A and 1B are for Interstate 55 (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8615246,-89.983263,3a,15y,271.88h,90.08t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sjwu5VrqxLN0a-RfAUXvvAQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3Djwu5VrqxLN0a-RfAUXvvAQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D249.41322%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192), and the exit east of that (Getwell Road), is using Exit 3 (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8696167,-89.9252468,3a,36.9y,280.74h,93.93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdbz5O2xqEVKPRSY5TkiGfQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)...I wonder why they didn't just use Exit 2?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: bwana39 on January 25, 2022, 06:43:23 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on December 01, 2021, 12:24:13 PM


Overall, MDOT has been actively improving 49 ever since Vision 21. Most recently, the widening from I-20 to Florence, and the addition of a southbound shoulder through Covington and Forrest/Stone counties. These safety projects have also eliminated a lot of the median crossovers.
Quote
Largely though, even as MDOT has made improvements, they've also signalized more intersections, such as MS 42 at US 49 and several stoplights through Collins. I remember driving through Collins at one point and only having 2 or 3 lights. Now there are 5 or so.

I remember when no stoplights were on Highway 49 through Collins.

Everyone should understand that this (US-49 from Jackson to the coast), not I-69 or I-14 or anything else that Washington might suggest, is Mississippi's first cross country priority.  There may be some projects in urban areas that are on a similar or higher priority, but for rural roads, this one will be first until it is finished.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on January 27, 2022, 04:08:43 PM
Anyone think the MS 601/I 310 plan will get any boost from being declared a High Priority Corridor? I've skimmed through a PDF of an old proposal, and MDOT seems to think one of the best plans for  the MS 601 project is a freeway all the way to the US 49 bypass of Wiggins.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: The Ghostbuster on January 27, 2022, 04:49:41 PM
No. I believe the Interstate 310/MS 601 freeway project is completely dead. Given that Mississippi seems to have as much trouble funding road projects as Connecticut does, Gulfport will likely have to make do without an Interstate 310 within their city's limits.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on January 27, 2022, 05:16:17 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on January 27, 2022, 04:49:41 PM
No. I believe the Interstate 310/MS 601 freeway project is completely dead. Given that Mississippi seems to have as much trouble funding road projects as Connecticut does, Gulfport will likely have to make do without an Interstate 310 within their city's limits.

Huh? Mississippi is actually suspiciously good at funding road projects if anything. Almost every single trunk road in Mississippi (except US 98 between McComb and US 84) has been widened to 4 lanes.

I'll concede the I-310 project isn't the only one to be stuck in limbo. The Greenville US 82 bypass has met a similar fate, but construction has finally resumed on it. MDOT is also working on connecting MS 25 to MS 76, completing another section of Corridor V.

The main roadblocks to I-310 right now seem to be the City of Gulfport and the Gulfport Port Authority's opposition to it. This archive/summary of multiple articles seems to imply that.
http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/trip-reports/20060515.htm

The city of Gulfport has very good reasons being opposed to an elevated freeway right through town. Really the most important thing would be MS 601 north of I-10. The MS coast needs a hurricane evacuation route that can be contraflowed.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: The Ghostbuster on January 27, 2022, 09:57:02 PM
I apologize for my assumption about Mississippi. Having never been to the state, I'll be more careful with my assumptions in the future. In the meantime, I still believe Interstate 310 in Gulfport is dead. I heard that one major concern about constructing an elevated 310 in the city, was the fear that the neighborhoods that 310 would deteriorate in a similar fashion to the way Biloxi's did when Interstate 110 was built: https://www.interstate-guide.com/i-310-ms/#north_end.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on January 30, 2022, 05:51:35 PM
Quote from: MoiraPrime on January 27, 2022, 05:16:17 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on January 27, 2022, 04:49:41 PM
No. I believe the Interstate 310/MS 601 freeway project is completely dead. Given that Mississippi seems to have as much trouble funding road projects as Connecticut does, Gulfport will likely have to make do without an Interstate 310 within their city's limits.

Huh? Mississippi is actually suspiciously good at funding road projects if anything. Almost every single trunk road in Mississippi (except US 98 between McComb and US 84) has been widened to 4 lanes.

I'll concede the I-310 project isn't the only one to be stuck in limbo. The Greenville US 82 bypass has met a similar fate, but construction has finally resumed on it. MDOT is also working on connecting MS 25 to MS 76, completing another section of Corridor V.

The main roadblocks to I-310 right now seem to be the City of Gulfport and the Gulfport Port Authority's opposition to it. This archive/summary of multiple articles seems to imply that.
http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/trip-reports/20060515.htm

The city of Gulfport has very good reasons being opposed to an elevated freeway right through town. Really the most important thing would be MS 601 north of I-10. The MS coast needs a hurricane evacuation route that can be contraflowed.

I guess I-755/Airport Parkway is also in limbo and put on the ice as well? https://www.interstate-guide.com/i-755-ms/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: kenarmy on January 31, 2022, 09:23:44 AM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on January 30, 2022, 05:51:35 PM
Quote from: MoiraPrime on January 27, 2022, 05:16:17 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on January 27, 2022, 04:49:41 PM
No. I believe the Interstate 310/MS 601 freeway project is completely dead. Given that Mississippi seems to have as much trouble funding road projects as Connecticut does, Gulfport will likely have to make do without an Interstate 310 within their city's limits.

Huh? Mississippi is actually suspiciously good at funding road projects if anything. Almost every single trunk road in Mississippi (except US 98 between McComb and US 84) has been widened to 4 lanes.

I'll concede the I-310 project isn't the only one to be stuck in limbo. The Greenville US 82 bypass has met a similar fate, but construction has finally resumed on it. MDOT is also working on connecting MS 25 to MS 76, completing another section of Corridor V.

The main roadblocks to I-310 right now seem to be the City of Gulfport and the Gulfport Port Authority's opposition to it. This archive/summary of multiple articles seems to imply that.
http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/trip-reports/20060515.htm

The city of Gulfport has very good reasons being opposed to an elevated freeway right through town. Really the most important thing would be MS 601 north of I-10. The MS coast needs a hurricane evacuation route that can be contraflowed.

I guess I-755/Airport Parkway is also in limbo and put on the ice as well? https://www.interstate-guide.com/i-755-ms/
As a local, I can say this will probably never happen. In fact, people outside the roadgeek community probably don't even know about this proposal.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on January 31, 2022, 01:40:51 PM
I don't think an I-755 is necessary.  The Jackson Airport is easily accessible from downtown Jackson.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: The Ghostbuster on January 31, 2022, 03:25:38 PM
So, Highway 755 in Mississippi is as dead as Missouri's Highway 755? I think the unbuilt Airport Parkway should have been numbered Interstate 155, not Interstate 755.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Georgia on January 31, 2022, 07:57:14 PM
Yea, the airport parkway never made a lick of sense.  Jackson-Evers isnt exactly booming and the road to it is fine as is especially after the re-work of the network to the SW of the airport under a decade ago. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on January 31, 2022, 08:34:41 PM
I will mention I did find this interesting PDF from 2008:
(https://i.imgur.com/dkkyvpR.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Elyk7bz.png)

With this corridor being declared a high priority corridor in the recent infrastructure bill, the cobwebs have a chance of being dusted off for this...

Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on February 01, 2022, 10:14:38 AM
Quote from: MoiraPrime on January 31, 2022, 08:34:41 PM
I will mention I did find this interesting PDF from 2008:
(https://i.imgur.com/dkkyvpR.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Elyk7bz.png)

With this corridor being declared a high priority corridor in the recent infrastructure bill, the cobwebs have a chance of being dusted off for this...



I think the improved Highway 67 took considerable traffic off of Highway 49 south of Saucier.  But from Saucier north, serious work needs to be done on 49.  I don't know if rebuilding it to Interstate standards is feasible, though.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on February 01, 2022, 07:56:57 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on January 31, 2022, 03:25:38 PM
So, Highway 755 in Mississippi is as dead as Missouri's Highway 755? I think the unbuilt Airport Parkway should have been numbered Interstate 155, not Interstate 755.

I guess I-755 might be jinxed and someone might put a curse on any interstate proposal numbered I-755.  :-D The only positive point besides the airport is to skip some traffic lights on MS-25.

(https://web.archive.org/web/20110716221247im_/http://www.theairportparkway.com/images/airportparkwaymap.jpg)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on February 04, 2022, 05:45:13 PM
I'm not sure where I saw it, but at one point I found a PDF about a proposed US 98 bypass of West Hattiesburg, starting at the current trumpet interchange with I-59. The issues it mentioned though was that overall the project was kinda paradoxical. It wanted to both open more land to development, while at the same time being a freeway bypass of the current US 98 bottleneck.

Heck, if you look at the current trumpet, you can even see where they graded the north side of the interchange for the eventual addition of a cloverleaf loop.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on February 05, 2022, 12:13:18 AM
I've seen the as-built plans at MDOT for the 59/98 interchange that show it was designed to eventually become a 7-ramp par-clo....IIRC, EB 98 to NB 59 was to be an at-grade left turn.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on February 05, 2022, 04:12:05 PM
On the continued note of MDOT projects along I-59 near Hattiesburg, bridge replacement at MS 42 is rather interesting. They moved Eatonville Road so far back away from the diamond interchange, which makes me think they've maybe considered bypassing the I-59/US 49 interchange to connect MS 42 directly.


If they did it might be something roughly along this area.
(https://i.imgur.com/XLtDTZy.png)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: HemiCRZ on February 08, 2022, 11:15:05 AM
Quote from: MoiraPrime on January 27, 2022, 05:16:17 PM

Huh? Mississippi is actually suspiciously good at funding road projects if anything. Almost every single trunk road in Mississippi (except US 98 between McComb and US 84) has been widened to 4 lanes.

I'll concede the I-310 project isn't the only one to be stuck in limbo. The Greenville US 82 bypass has met a similar fate, but construction has finally resumed on it. MDOT is also working on connecting MS 25 to MS 76, completing another section of Corridor V.

The main roadblocks to I-310 right now seem to be the City of Gulfport and the Gulfport Port Authority's opposition to it. This archive/summary of multiple articles seems to imply that.
http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/trip-reports/20060515.htm

The city of Gulfport has very good reasons being opposed to an elevated freeway right through town. Really the most important thing would be MS 601 north of I-10. The MS coast needs a hurricane evacuation route that can be contraflowed.

As a local here, we are very bad at funding road projects. The state actually has a legislative ban on new construction projects because of the backlog of maintenance. The lottery bill a few years back has helped, but MDOT has made it explicitly clear that lottery funds are being funneled to rural projects, not major projects. Not to mention, this revenue source is only good for the next few years before the law requires lottery proceeds to be directed to the general fund and not road/bridge maintenance. Now, legislative leaders and our Governor want to eliminate the state income tax (and likely will this session), which is undoubtedly going to further exacerbate issues.

You mention the US 82 bypass and the extension of Corridor V. Both of these projects were only started due to a windfall of federal grant money during the pandemic. Both of these projects were dead prior. It is worthy to note that US 82 IS being constructed to freeway standards, so perhaps this could help maybe restart some movement on I-69.

I-310/MS 601 DOES have a small chance of being resurrected. I don't know much about the project's current status, but I do hear it come up frequently in legislative discussions. Coast lawmakers want it.

Quote from: Stephane Dumas on January 30, 2022, 05:51:35 PM
I guess I-755/Airport Parkway is also in limbo and put on the ice as well? https://www.interstate-guide.com/i-755-ms/

This is a pipedream at best. JAN is more of a regional airport at this point, and the current road support via MS 475 is more than adequate.

Quote from: MoiraPrime on February 04, 2022, 05:45:13 PM
I'm not sure where I saw it, but at one point I found a PDF about a proposed US 98 bypass of West Hattiesburg, starting at the current trumpet interchange with I-59. The issues it mentioned though was that overall the project was kinda paradoxical. It wanted to both open more land to development, while at the same time being a freeway bypass of the current US 98 bottleneck.

Heck, if you look at the current trumpet, you can even see where they graded the north side of the interchange for the eventual addition of a cloverleaf loop.

The Hattiesburg MPO (includes Hattiesburg, Petal, Forrest and Lamar County) DOES have plans for a bypass of West Hattiesburg.  It would reportedly run from US 49 to US 98 near Jackson Road, then run farther south to the I-59/US 98 interchange.

However, it faces starch opposition both in funding and from the city itself. The City feels like it should not help fund a project that would pull traffic out of the downtown core and support other communities that historically have been at odds with the City of Hattiesburg (i.e., on the Lamar County side of town). Oak Grove and Bellevue have been actively protesting Hattiesburg's annexation west (the latter actually working to become an incorporated city), and Hattiesburg does not want to pump funding into those areas.

https://forrestcountyms.us/?page_id=79
https://www.hubcityspokes.com/news-hattiesburg/hattiesburg-council-doesnt-idea-beltway#sthash.FlwcgpDQ.dpbs

Quote from: MoiraPrime on February 05, 2022, 04:12:05 PM
On the continued note of MDOT projects along I-59 near Hattiesburg, bridge replacement at MS 42 is rather interesting. They moved Eatonville Road so far back away from the diamond interchange, which makes me think they've maybe considered bypassing the I-59/US 49 interchange to connect MS 42 directly.

Correct. This extension is Phase II of the aforementioned beltway project. Outside of that, this interchange is unnecessarily large.

https://www.wdam.com/story/37434170/phase-ii-of-western-beltway-proposed/

(https://gray-wdam-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/5v4cYPkUFZYS6IZ2rR-IuksNwy0=/1200x675/smart/filters:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/Y3JJMCMXOJFCTE6MJWJW6WNL4Y.jpg)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on February 16, 2022, 08:28:05 AM
I'd much rather see MDOT do something about the 49/59 interchange.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on February 19, 2022, 03:49:30 PM
The West Rankin Parkway, which is designed to connect Lakeland Drive (MS 25) to US 80, hits another snag. Now expected to be completed in 2023.

https://www.wlbt.com/2022/02/18/why-17m-west-rankin-parkway-project-was-pushed-back-again/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: HemiCRZ on February 22, 2022, 11:37:54 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on February 19, 2022, 03:49:30 PM
The West Rankin Parkway, which is designed to connect Lakeland Drive (MS 25) to US 80, hits another snag. Now expected to be completed in 2023.

https://www.wlbt.com/2022/02/18/why-17m-west-rankin-parkway-project-was-pushed-back-again/

Why is this even being built. It's so close to existing MS 468.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on February 22, 2022, 12:50:49 PM
Quote from: HemiCRZ on February 22, 2022, 11:37:54 AM
Quote from: golden eagle on February 19, 2022, 03:49:30 PM
The West Rankin Parkway, which is designed to connect Lakeland Drive (MS 25) to US 80, hits another snag. Now expected to be completed in 2023.

https://www.wlbt.com/2022/02/18/why-17m-west-rankin-parkway-project-was-pushed-back-again/

Why is this even being built. It's so close to existing MS 468.

Just another access point to I-20. Also to open up land to developers.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on February 23, 2022, 09:58:36 AM

[/quote]
Why is this even being built. It's so close to existing MS 468.


Just another access point to I-20. Also to open up land to developers.
[/quote]

Still a waste of money, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on February 23, 2022, 01:05:11 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on February 23, 2022, 09:58:36 AM

Why is this even being built. It's so close to existing MS 468.


Just another access point to I-20. Also to open up land to developers.
[/quote]

Still a waste of money, in my opinion.[/quote]

There are more urgent needs, like finishing US 49 through Richland and Florence, or widening 463 in Madison County.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on February 25, 2022, 04:08:16 PM
I am somewhat annoyed reading into this "western beltway project". It seems Hattiesburg city leaders are afraid of losing out on traffic. So much of the traffic situation along the I-59 corridor exists because of poor planning. Hell, look at Laurel. They cut the city in half with I-59 because they didn't want to lose out on "the business" and harmed the citizens of the city in the process.

Urban planners, highway designers, and city leaders, take the freaking hint. Freeways and long haul routes should go AROUND your city, not through it. Quit fooling yourself with this "we'll lose out on dollars from the traffic forced to sit bumper to bumper in our terribly designed city" nonsense.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on February 25, 2022, 05:13:56 PM
^ A few response notes:

Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on February 25, 2022, 09:13:53 PM
Quote from: MoiraPrime on February 25, 2022, 04:08:16 PM
I am somewhat annoyed reading into this "western beltway project". It seems Hattiesburg city leaders are afraid of losing out on traffic. So much of the traffic situation along the I-59 corridor exists because of poor planning. Hell, look at Laurel. They cut the city in half with I-59 because they didn't want to lose out on "the business" and harmed the citizens of the city in the process.

Urban planners, highway designers, and city leaders, take the freaking hint. Freeways and long haul routes should go AROUND your city, not through it. Quit fooling yourself with this "we'll lose out on dollars from the traffic forced to sit bumper to bumper in our terribly designed city" nonsense.

What's ironic is the lion's share of all the businesses along 98 from Turtle Creek Mall eastward are in the Hattiesburg city limits. I'm startled at the commercial development that has taken place (and redeveloped) along 98/Hardy Street (which was formerly commissioned as US98) since I was at Southern Miss in the 90s. If you don't want your city to lose out on tax dollars to surrounding locations, do what you should to encourage new businesses and residents to come.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: HemiCRZ on February 28, 2022, 03:13:41 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on February 22, 2022, 12:50:49 PM
Just another access point to I-20. Also to open up land to developers.

I can see this but man it just seems like such a waste of money. I agree with your further statements a few posts down that there are far more pressing needs. I would like to see 49's widening extend farther south, or perhaps widen MS 15 out north of I-59 in Laurel up to around the Jasper County line. Or the endless number of pavement projects we need in this state.

Quote from: golden eagle on February 25, 2022, 09:13:53 PM
What's ironic is the lion's share of all the businesses along 98 from Turtle Creek Mall eastward are in the Hattiesburg city limits. I'm startled at the commercial development that has taken place (and redeveloped) along 98/Hardy Street (which was formerly commissioned as US98) since I was at Southern Miss in the 90s. If you don't want your city to lose out on tax dollars to surrounding locations, do what you should to encourage new businesses and residents to come.

All of the businesses along US 98 are only in the city limits because of annexation. If you look at the city boundaries of Hattiesburg, you'll see that there are prominent extensions along US 98 west, US 49 north, and even US 49 south, and they only extend maybe a 1/2 mile in either direction of the roadway.

(https://www.hattiesburgms.com/wp-content/uploads/wards_jpg.jpg)

Hattiesburg's goal is to continue this commercial strip annexation all the way out to MS 589, and all the way up US 49 to the Forrest/Covington County line. They don't face much opposition to going north, in fact, they just constructed a new fire and police station to ensure public services all the way up to that boundary, but that changes when you talk about going west...

https://www.wdam.com/2019/04/26/hattiesburg-takes-another-step-annexation-push/

Basically, Lamar County residents see Hattiesburg as an aggressor looking to come in, take their tax dollars, and send them to projects in Forrest County. There has been an active movement for many years to stop this by incorporating a new city, Bellevue, in Lamar County. The debate has been largely heated, deeply political, and hasn't made much progress. It failed once already.

https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2019/02/26/bellevue-incorporation-new-plan-petition-hattiesburg-mississippi/2711474002/
https://www.columbianprogress.com/opinion-columns/bellevues-annexation-fight-continues#sthash.fTbxomtR.dpbs
https://www.facebook.com/bellevuems

In the scope of this Western Beltway Project, that is one of the main reasons it's not built yet. Hattiesburg wants to hold on to the sales tax of everybody that drives through here, and if this beltway is built as the city/county arrangement is currently, Hattiesburg would be funding a roadway outside of their jurisdiction, and not even getting to collect revenue on any businesses built along it.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on February 28, 2022, 10:13:36 PM
Quote from: HemiCRZ on February 28, 2022, 03:13:41 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on February 22, 2022, 12:50:49 PM
Just another access point to I-20. Also to open up land to developers.

I can see this but man it just seems like such a waste of money. I agree with your further statements a few posts down that there are far more pressing needs. I would like to see 49's widening extend farther south, or perhaps widen MS 15 out north of I-59 in Laurel up to around the Jasper County line. Or the endless number of pavement projects we need in this state.

Quote from: golden eagle on February 25, 2022, 09:13:53 PM
What's ironic is the lion's share of all the businesses along 98 from Turtle Creek Mall eastward are in the Hattiesburg city limits. I'm startled at the commercial development that has taken place (and redeveloped) along 98/Hardy Street (which was formerly commissioned as US98) since I was at Southern Miss in the 90s. If you don't want your city to lose out on tax dollars to surrounding locations, do what you should to encourage new businesses and residents to come.

All of the businesses along US 98 are only in the city limits because of annexation. If you look at the city boundaries of Hattiesburg, you'll see that there are prominent extensions along US 98 west, US 49 north, and even US 49 south, and they only extend maybe a 1/2 mile in either direction of the roadway.

(https://www.hattiesburgms.com/wp-content/uploads/wards_jpg.jpg)

Hattiesburg's goal is to continue this commercial strip annexation all the way out to MS 589, and all the way up US 49 to the Forrest/Covington County line. They don't face much opposition to going north, in fact, they just constructed a new fire and police station to ensure public services all the way up to that boundary, but that changes when you talk about going west...

https://www.wdam.com/2019/04/26/hattiesburg-takes-another-step-annexation-push/

Basically, Lamar County residents see Hattiesburg as an aggressor looking to come in, take their tax dollars, and send them to projects in Forrest County. There has been an active movement for many years to stop this by incorporating a new city, Bellevue, in Lamar County. The debate has been largely heated, deeply political, and hasn't made much progress. It failed once already.

https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2019/02/26/bellevue-incorporation-new-plan-petition-hattiesburg-mississippi/2711474002/
https://www.columbianprogress.com/opinion-columns/bellevues-annexation-fight-continues#sthash.fTbxomtR.dpbs
https://www.facebook.com/bellevuems

In the scope of this Western Beltway Project, that is one of the main reasons it's not built yet. Hattiesburg wants to hold on to the sales tax of everybody that drives through here, and if this beltway is built as the city/county arrangement is currently, Hattiesburg would be funding a roadway outside of their jurisdiction, and not even getting to collect revenue on any businesses built along it.

1. I used to take the back way to go to Turtle Creek Mall from USM (4th Street to Weathersby Road). The city limit sign sits right before getting to the mall.
2. What's the purpose of extending the city limits along US49 to Camp Shelby? Revenue for the police?
3. Will the western beltway be a freeway or at grade?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on March 04, 2022, 05:22:31 PM
Greenville bypass groundbreaking was held this past Monday:

https://www.northsidesun.com/videos-press-releases-state/officials-break-ground-us-highway-82-bypass-greenville#sthash.oD6DsmRW.dpbs
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: roadman65 on March 30, 2022, 01:56:11 PM
https://www.wapt.com/article/emergency-repairs-will-close-section-of-interstate-in-jackson-beginning-april-8/39586165

Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on March 31, 2022, 09:10:11 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 30, 2022, 01:56:11 PM
https://www.wapt.com/article/emergency-repairs-will-close-section-of-interstate-in-jackson-beginning-april-8/39586165

Good thing it's primarily during the weekend. It's gonna be a mess around here.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: kenarmy on April 02, 2022, 10:36:20 AM
Despite living here, I just drove on I-269 for the first time and its a little boring..but idk if I expected more. The "Getwell"  and "Laughter"  road exits being back to back provides a little amusement tho XD

Edit: (Im just now realizing there's also a Getwell rd exit on I-240. I didn't realize it entered both states)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Tomahawkin on April 02, 2022, 01:29:17 PM
It's a new interstate! Hopefully development comes to that area soon. I need a Whataburger and a Buc'ees there. Either will work. I will settle for a Arby's. I need at truck stop on that route because the traffic on MS 302 is Awful!!!
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: The Ghostbuster on April 02, 2022, 02:22:33 PM
As for beginning to construct the remainder of the Greenville Bypass, it certainly took them long enough!
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: wriddle082 on April 02, 2022, 08:32:24 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 02, 2022, 10:36:20 AM
Despite living here, I just drove on I-269 for the first time and its a little boring..but idk if I expected more. The "Getwell"  and "Laughter"  road exits being back to back provides a little amusement tho XD

Edit: (Im just now realizing there's also a Getwell rd exit on I-240. I didn't realize it entered both states)

Many of the N-S road names in Shelby Co., TN's grid continue into DeSoto Co., MS with no name change.  Millbranch, Airways, Swinnea, Tchulahoma, and Malone are other examples that I'm seeing.  Sometimes there are disconnected sections, but for the most part they're perfectly straight N-S and the name doesn't change.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on April 03, 2022, 09:59:57 AM
Northern DeSoto County = one of the few areas of Mississippi where you actually have a squareish road grid.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 04, 2022, 12:45:10 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on April 02, 2022, 08:32:24 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 02, 2022, 10:36:20 AM
Despite living here, I just drove on I-269 for the first time and its a little boring..but idk if I expected more. The "Getwell"  and "Laughter"  road exits being back to back provides a little amusement tho XD

Edit: (Im just now realizing there's also a Getwell rd exit on I-240. I didn't realize it entered both states)

Many of the N-S road names in Shelby Co., TN's grid continue into DeSoto Co., MS with no name change.  Millbranch, Airways, Swinnea, Tchulahoma, and Malone are other examples that I'm seeing.  Sometimes there are disconnected sections, but for the most part they're perfectly straight N-S and the name doesn't change.

Is this common in other states? I know Green Bay and Sheridan roads don't change when crossing from Lake County, IL into Kenosha County, WI.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Brooks on April 04, 2022, 02:24:26 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on April 02, 2022, 08:32:24 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 02, 2022, 10:36:20 AM
Despite living here, I just drove on I-269 for the first time and its a little boring..but idk if I expected more. The "Getwell"  and "Laughter"  road exits being back to back provides a little amusement tho XD

Edit: (Im just now realizing there's also a Getwell rd exit on I-240. I didn't realize it entered both states)

Many of the N-S road names in Shelby Co., TN's grid continue into DeSoto Co., MS with no name change.  Millbranch, Airways, Swinnea, Tchulahoma, and Malone are other examples that I'm seeing.  Sometimes there are disconnected sections, but for the most part they're perfectly straight N-S and the name doesn't change.
I've always thought it was cool that many of the arterials keep their names when crossing state lines. You can actually drive Getwell from its starting point near the University of Memphis all the way past I-269 without having to turn. It's pretty much the most direct route from central Memphis to central DeSoto County.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rlb2024 on April 04, 2022, 03:24:27 PM
Quote from: Brooks on April 04, 2022, 02:24:26 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on April 02, 2022, 08:32:24 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on April 02, 2022, 10:36:20 AM
Despite living here, I just drove on I-269 for the first time and its a little boring..but idk if I expected more. The "Getwell"  and "Laughter"  road exits being back to back provides a little amusement tho XD

Edit: (Im just now realizing there's also a Getwell rd exit on I-240. I didn't realize it entered both states)

Many of the N-S road names in Shelby Co., TN's grid continue into DeSoto Co., MS with no name change.  Millbranch, Airways, Swinnea, Tchulahoma, and Malone are other examples that I'm seeing.  Sometimes there are disconnected sections, but for the most part they're perfectly straight N-S and the name doesn't change.
I've always thought it was cool that many of the arterials keep their names when crossing state lines. You can actually drive Getwell from its starting point near the University of Memphis all the way past I-269 without having to turn. It's pretty much the most direct route from central Memphis to central DeSoto County.
A little history on the name of Getwell Road -- the original name of the road was Shotwell.  During WWII a VA hospital was built on acreage at the intersection of Park Avenue and Shotwell in Memphis.  City and county leaders didn't want to remind the patients at the VA of their injuries, so Shotwell was renamed to Getwell.  (Well, all but the northern-most six blocks, which remained Shotwell for some reason.)

The old VA hospital location is now the south campus of the University of Memphis.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on April 12, 2022, 01:20:37 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 30, 2022, 01:56:11 PM
https://www.wapt.com/article/emergency-repairs-will-close-section-of-interstate-in-jackson-beginning-april-8/39586165

The work finished a day early. This is just a temporary fix until additional work is needed.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on May 01, 2022, 10:32:20 AM
Incredible that it took so long to reconstruct a few miles of highway.  I think this was something that should have been constructed at least 20 years ago.
https://www.wapt.com/article/highway-49-construction-in-rankin-county-nearly-complete/39861885#
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: golden eagle on May 02, 2022, 02:24:38 PM
I was working in that area when construction first started. Coming up on 4-5 years now.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: msunat97 on July 12, 2022, 12:03:48 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 02, 2022, 02:22:33 PM
As for beginning to construct the remainder of the Greenville Bypass, it certainly took them long enough!
This is great news, but you are exactly right.  This took forever.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on July 27, 2022, 02:57:32 PM
I just found something that may make froggie very very angry (https://i.imgur.com/esRPzzV.png)

This is current OpenStreetMap data at Silver Creek overlaid with the MDOT Centerlines data from MARIS. MDOT internal data has this road labeled as US 43 Alternate????

https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/107177720#map=13/31.5585/-90.0168
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on July 27, 2022, 03:37:55 PM
Considering I had just cleaned that up a few months ago, yes I am displeased.  43A is not a state (or US) route.  If you can fix it, please do so.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on August 03, 2022, 02:23:39 PM
That's not something I can really fix. That's the data MDOT has in their linear reference model. I think it might be kinda considered a MS 43 Alternate, but it's not maintained by the state and instead locally maintained by the county... thus the weird designation.

I fixed a similar issue up in north Mississippi.
(https://i.imgur.com/jw3bKp3.png)

MDOT built a bypass of MS 25 around Amory. The old routing of MS 25 was still there, and the new routing someone had labeled "MS 25 Bypass". It turns out that MDOT turned the old route over to local governments and made the bypass the new route.

Local governments, to reduce confusion, decided to name the old routing of MS 25 as "Highway 125". They couldn't name it "Old Highway 25" because there's already an Old Highway 25... and having roads with the same name like that leads to confusion when someone inevitably has to call 911.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on August 24, 2022, 01:37:08 PM
I see there's a plan to four-lane State Highway 27 between Vicksburg and Crystal Springs.  This would allow people in and around Vicksburg to access I-55 without driving through Jackson.  But is a four lane really necessary in this sparsely-populated part of the state?  There is also a proposal to four-lane US Highway 61 from Leland to Redwood.  I don't think this is necessary, as the population in the Delta has been dwindling for decades.  But there are places where 61 could be realigned to shave a few miles off of the journey.  This could be done by constructing a new highway on portions of a long-abandoned railroad right of way.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on August 24, 2022, 03:23:23 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on August 24, 2022, 01:37:08 PM
I see there's a plan to four-lane State Highway 27 between Vicksburg and Crystal Springs.  This would allow people in and around Vicksburg to access I-55 without driving through Jackson.  But is a four lane really necessary in this sparsely-populated part of the state?  There is also a proposal to four-lane US Highway 61 from Leland to Redwood.  I don't think this is necessary, as the population in the Delta has been dwindling for decades.  But there are places where 61 could be realigned to shave a few miles off of the journey.  This could be done by constructing a new highway on portions of a long-abandoned railroad right of way.

Build these with straighter two lane facilities with occasional passing lanes.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: formulanone on August 24, 2022, 05:14:39 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on August 24, 2022, 03:23:23 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on August 24, 2022, 01:37:08 PM
I see there's a plan to four-lane State Highway 27 between Vicksburg and Crystal Springs.  This would allow people in and around Vicksburg to access I-55 without driving through Jackson.  But is a four lane really necessary in this sparsely-populated part of the state?  There is also a proposal to four-lane US Highway 61 from Leland to Redwood.  I don't think this is necessary, as the population in the Delta has been dwindling for decades.  But there are places where 61 could be realigned to shave a few miles off of the journey.  This could be done by constructing a new highway on portions of a long-abandoned railroad right of way.

Build these with straighter two lane facilities with occasional passing lanes.

Mississippi has very few passing lanes on its two-lane roads.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on August 26, 2022, 12:53:51 PM
Trust me....MS 27 needs to be 4-laned. It is a very well-traveled highway. On I-55 the BGSs for exit 72 used to have Vicksburg listed. In an effort to reduce traffic, it was left off of the new signs. But the secret is out...MS 27 is an excellent Jackson bypass.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: wriddle082 on August 26, 2022, 04:48:55 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on August 26, 2022, 12:53:51 PM
Trust me....MS 27 needs to be 4-laned. It is a very well-traveled highway. On I-55 the BGSs for exit 72 used to have Vicksburg listed. In an effort to reduce traffic, it was left off of the new signs. But the secret is out...MS 27 is an excellent Jackson bypass.

And taking it further east to MS 28 and US 49 looks like a good way to get to Hattiesburg and beyond to the beaches of AL and NW FL.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on August 26, 2022, 05:38:04 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on August 26, 2022, 12:53:51 PM
Trust me....MS 27 needs to be 4-laned. It is a very well-traveled highway. On I-55 the BGSs for exit 72 used to have Vicksburg listed. In an effort to reduce traffic, it was left off of the new signs. But the secret is out...MS 27 is an excellent Jackson bypass.

It's traveled, but not to the extent that it needs to be 4-laned.  Nowhere between Vicksburg and Crystal Springs does 27 break 5K ADT, and volumes in Warren County are actually lower now than they were when I lived in Mississippi 14 years ago, and 27 was okay then.

Could it be improved?  Sure...wider shoulders, turn lanes, an occasional passing lane.  But it doesn't scream 4 lanes to me.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on September 18, 2022, 01:13:14 PM
There is a Google Maps street view updated to August of some portions of Highway 27.  You can see a couple of new bridges being built, including one over the Big Black River.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cbalducc on September 23, 2022, 11:38:08 PM
Quote from: MoiraPrime on August 03, 2022, 02:23:39 PM
That's not something I can really fix. That's the data MDOT has in their linear reference model. I think it might be kinda considered a MS 43 Alternate, but it's not maintained by the state and instead locally maintained by the county... thus the weird designation.

I fixed a similar issue up in north Mississippi.
(https://i.imgur.com/jw3bKp3.png)

MDOT built a bypass of MS 25 around Amory. The old routing of MS 25 was still there, and the new routing someone had labeled "MS 25 Bypass". It turns out that MDOT turned the old route over to local governments and made the bypass the new route.

Local governments, to reduce confusion, decided to name the old routing of MS 25 as "Highway 125". They couldn't name it "Old Highway 25" because there's already an Old Highway 25... and having roads with the same name like that leads to confusion when someone inevitably has to call 911.
I don't see the point of this bypass. 
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on September 24, 2022, 07:28:08 AM
Quote from: cbalducc on September 23, 2022, 11:38:08 PM
Quote from: MoiraPrime on August 03, 2022, 02:23:39 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/jw3bKp3.png)

MDOT built a bypass of MS 25 around Amory. The old routing of MS 25 was still there, and the new routing someone had labeled "MS 25 Bypass". It turns out that MDOT turned the old route over to local governments and made the bypass the new route.
I don't see the point of this bypass. 

MDOT has a long term plan for a full eastern bypass of Amory for MS 25.  They only had the funding to build this part south of 278, thus far.

They also have a plan for a southern Amory bypass for 278, but that's even further out.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on September 25, 2022, 12:20:02 PM
Google Maps Imagery now shows the construction of MS 76/Corridor V between MS 25 and MS 23.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rte66man on September 30, 2022, 10:08:39 AM
Quote from: cbalducc on September 18, 2022, 01:13:14 PM
There is a Google Maps street view updated to August of some portions of Highway 27.  You can see a couple of new bridges being built, including one over the Big Black River.

Will they keep the older bridge and 4 lane that section?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: cjk374 on September 30, 2022, 07:11:38 PM
Quote from: rte66man on September 30, 2022, 10:08:39 AM
Quote from: cbalducc on September 18, 2022, 01:13:14 PM
There is a Google Maps street view updated to August of some portions of Highway 27.  You can see a couple of new bridges being built, including one over the Big Black River.

Will they keep the older bridge and 4 lane that section?

I don't know officially, but those old bridges were old, a bit narrow, and a little rough. Not ruling it out, but I would hope they replace the old bridges with new ones one way or the other.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on November 05, 2022, 02:00:39 PM
A bunch of stuff has happened lately in Harrison county. They finished building the new bridges over Flat Branch in Gulfport, and seem to have resurfaced the road between the railroad tracks at Creosote Road all the way to the area where they rebuilt those bridges.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: HemiCRZ on November 06, 2022, 03:57:58 AM
I've noticed that MDOT bid out a project last month to upgrade MS 57 to a four-lane facility from I-10 north to Vancleave, roughly 9 miles. The project is for grade/bridge/pave.

Has this been in the works for some time? I've never thought there was enough space between the existing road and existing development along that corridor to allow for a four-lane divided facility, and frankly, this is the first time I've heard of the project.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on November 07, 2022, 04:34:46 PM
^ That project has been talked about at least since the mid-2000s.  I distinctly remember it being studied when I was stationed at Stennis (2005-2008).  I don't remember if it existed in my Meridian days (1998-2001).

The plan is to twin 57 up to Gautier-Vancleve Rd, then build a bypass west of Vancleve, returning to the existing alignment near Mariposa Ln.

Here's a WLOX story from 2017 (https://www.wlox.com/story/34800942/vancleave-bypass-delayed-because-money-not-readily-available/), when the project was previously going to start but was put on hold due to having its funding pulled.

Here's a Corps of Engineers release (https://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Portals/46/docs/regulatory/public_notices/SAM-2021-1360-ARL.pdf?ver=lpg64H7EucuQbG9iKGmTrw%3D%3D) from April talking a little about the wetlands permit MDOT requested for the project.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on November 08, 2022, 04:46:47 PM
I saw by luck this old study about Airport Pkwy and MS-25 connectors published in 1999 on Google books.
https://books.google.ca/books/about/Airport_Parkway_and_Mississippi_25_Conne.html?id=7co1AQAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on December 12, 2022, 04:31:38 PM
Something I have a question about....

I see a few old instances of business routes in Mississippi. They're extremely uncommon in general but sprinkled throughout old topo maps and stale TIGER data, you'll see references in Laurel to a MS 15 Business route and a US 84 Business Route. Are these still existing but unsigned, or long decommissioned? What's the deal here?
(https://i.imgur.com/fHGiKOC.png)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: 74/171FAN on December 12, 2022, 05:09:37 PM
I thought that the US 61 and US 84 BUS routes posted in Natchez have been long decommissioned.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: oscar on December 12, 2022, 05:32:18 PM
Mississippi seems to use MS 1xx state routes instead of business US routes (for example, MS 145, MS 178, MS 184, MS 198). I don't know whether all the MS 1xx routes used to be signed as Business US xx.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on December 12, 2022, 06:03:16 PM
An example of a route that shows up in old TIGER data as one is Audubon Drive in Laurel... which shows as MS 15 Business, and you can still see the MS 15 shield on it in Google Maps for some reason.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rlb2024 on December 12, 2022, 06:58:03 PM
Quote from: oscar on December 12, 2022, 05:32:18 PM
Mississippi seems to use MS 1xx state routes instead of business US routes (for example, MS 145, MS 178, MS 184, MS 198). I don't know whether all the MS 1xx routes used to be signed as Business US xx.
I don't think that's always the case.  It seems to me that the 1xx designation is usually utilized when a bypass is built around a city or town; for example, when US 45 was routed onto a bypass to the east of Meridian the old routing through town became MS 145.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Georgia on December 13, 2022, 11:37:12 PM
the 1xx designation typically just is meant to indicate an old alignment of the highway, i.e. 178 in the NE part of the state
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: kenarmy on December 14, 2022, 06:47:54 PM
When and why was MS 15 changed from being a continuous route? And I've noticed Google maps still has it on I-110 despite being truncated.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on December 27, 2022, 05:13:48 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on December 14, 2022, 06:47:54 PM
When and why was MS 15 changed from being a continuous route? And I've noticed Google maps still has it on I-110 despite being truncated.

MS 15 has always had a gap between Perry and Stone county as far as I know. I am aware from looking at MDOT Linear reference model data that they seem to have a continuous route on their wishlist, with a road to fill in that gap down as "proposed".
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Mapmikey on December 27, 2022, 06:36:35 PM
Quote from: MoiraPrime on December 27, 2022, 05:13:48 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on December 14, 2022, 06:47:54 PM
When and why was MS 15 changed from being a continuous route? And I've noticed Google maps still has it on I-110 despite being truncated.
MS 15 has always had a gap between Perry and Stone county as far as I know. I am aware from looking at MDOT Linear reference model data that they seem to have a continuous route on their wishlist, with a road to fill in that gap down as "proposed".


MS 15 was continuous from US 90 to Laurel and beyond from at least 1960-65.  Oddly, it replaced MS 57 south of US 98 in 1959-60 and MS 57 was moved east to replace MS 59 (presumably to eliminate coincidence numbering with I-59)...why not just replace MS 59 with MS 15?

1960 Official - https://mdot.ms.gov/documents/Planning/Maps/State%20Hwy%20Archive/HWY%20Map%201960%20Front.pdf
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on December 28, 2022, 08:27:34 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 27, 2022, 06:36:35 PM
why not just replace MS 59 with MS 15?

Three reasons.  First, Mississippi has a grid for their state route system that they've generally tried to adhere to.  Second, a route directly to Biloxi was seen as more of a priority route than to what was then (and still generally is) a hole-in-the-wall in rural Jackson County.  Third, state highways in Mississippi are not official unless/until they've been codified in state law, so this is how the legislators did that (and we all know how well they handle logic).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Plutonic Panda on April 13, 2023, 03:51:12 PM
Mississippi DOT just got a big 1.5 billion dollar funding boost. Good to help with needed projects: https://transportationtodaynews.com/news/30129-mississippi-legislature-approves-nearly-2b-in-infrastructure-investment/?amp
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Rothman on April 13, 2023, 04:23:50 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on April 13, 2023, 03:51:12 PM
Mississippi DOT just got a big 1.5 billion dollar funding boost. Good to help with needed projects: https://transportationtodaynews.com/news/30129-mississippi-legislature-approves-nearly-2b-in-infrastructure-investment/?amp
Heh.  $10 says most of it was just their usual annual appropriation.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Plutonic Panda on April 13, 2023, 04:25:23 PM
Quote from: Rothman on April 13, 2023, 04:23:50 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on April 13, 2023, 03:51:12 PM
Mississippi DOT just got a big 1.5 billion dollar funding boost. Good to help with needed projects: https://transportationtodaynews.com/news/30129-mississippi-legislature-approves-nearly-2b-in-infrastructure-investment/?amp
Heh.  $10 says most of it was just their usual annual appropriation.
I read the article it was more 620 million additional funding. Is that right?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Rothman on April 13, 2023, 04:32:57 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on April 13, 2023, 04:25:23 PM
Quote from: Rothman on April 13, 2023, 04:23:50 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on April 13, 2023, 03:51:12 PM
Mississippi DOT just got a big 1.5 billion dollar funding boost. Good to help with needed projects: https://transportationtodaynews.com/news/30129-mississippi-legislature-approves-nearly-2b-in-infrastructure-investment/?amp
Heh.  $10 says most of it was just their usual annual appropriation.
I read the article it was more 620 million additional funding. Is that right?
Maybe.  You never can tell with the releases.

I don't understand states that specifically allocate funds to match federal.  Not sure why a state would limit flexibility like that.  Glad I live in a state where projects can more easily slide between federal and 100% state.  I mean, what happens when the Feds come at you with a supplemental appropriation?  You have to get another appropriation from the State? Eesh.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on April 13, 2023, 09:42:37 PM
The $1.5B is their usual annual appropriation from the Legislature, and is barely $6M more than last year's annual.

I haven't been able to find the specific legislation for the $620M "supplemental" funding, but it appears to be a one-time addition on top of MDOT's normal annual funding.  The governor apparently requested $1.3B for such back in February.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Rothman on April 13, 2023, 11:08:56 PM
Quote from: froggie on April 13, 2023, 09:42:37 PM
The $1.5B is their usual annual appropriation from the Legislature, and is barely $6M more than last year's annual.

I haven't been able to find the specific legislation for the $620M "supplemental" funding, but it appears to be a one-time addition on top of MDOT's normal annual funding.  The governor apparently requested $1.3B for such back in February.
Let's just say "Hollywood accounting" sometimes pertains to state budgets for particular purposes.

I've seen too many "new" initiatives carved out of rolling over appropriations or funded through various forms of borrowing.

They say "additional appropriation" and I ask, "Which Peter was robbed to pay Paul?"

(personal opinion emphasized)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: I-55 on April 20, 2023, 10:37:51 PM
The new segment of Corridor V has opened.

https://www.wtva.com/news/highway-76-extension-opens-tuesday-morning-in-itawamba-county/article_d9bb6f54-d7e9-11ed-a2e4-131e3e87eb77.html
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on April 24, 2023, 10:33:05 AM
Quote from: I-55 on April 20, 2023, 10:37:51 PM
The new segment of Corridor V has opened.

https://www.wtva.com/news/highway-76-extension-opens-tuesday-morning-in-itawamba-county/article_d9bb6f54-d7e9-11ed-a2e4-131e3e87eb77.html

Which remaining segments of Corridor V need to be built?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: mvak36 on April 25, 2023, 01:05:01 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on April 24, 2023, 10:33:05 AM
Quote from: I-55 on April 20, 2023, 10:37:51 PM
The new segment of Corridor V has opened.

https://www.wtva.com/news/highway-76-extension-opens-tuesday-morning-in-itawamba-county/article_d9bb6f54-d7e9-11ed-a2e4-131e3e87eb77.html

Which remaining segments of Corridor V need to be built?

According to the status report  (https://www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FY-2022-ADHS-Status-Report.pdf)from last year, the project that just got completed was the last segment in Mississippi. In Alabama, There's $155 million of work left to complete it. I'm not sure where that work is located along the corridor or when they'll complete it.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on April 25, 2023, 01:52:27 PM
Quote from: mvak36 on April 25, 2023, 01:05:01 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on April 24, 2023, 10:33:05 AM
Quote from: I-55 on April 20, 2023, 10:37:51 PM
The new segment of Corridor V has opened.

https://www.wtva.com/news/highway-76-extension-opens-tuesday-morning-in-itawamba-county/article_d9bb6f54-d7e9-11ed-a2e4-131e3e87eb77.html

Which remaining segments of Corridor V need to be built?

According to the status report  (https://www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FY-2022-ADHS-Status-Report.pdf)from last year, the project that just got completed was the last segment in Mississippi. In Alabama, There's $155 million of work left to complete it. I'm not sure where that work is located along the corridor or when they'll complete it.

If I had to guess, what is left in Alabama is along US 72 in Huntsville. Upgrading the intersections with Moores Mill Road and Shields Road into an interchange has been sought by local leaders. I think it may have been added to the ADHS so that it could be funded, but no funding has come from it as of yet.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Stephane Dumas on April 26, 2023, 09:52:50 AM
Quote from: mvak36 on April 25, 2023, 01:05:01 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on April 24, 2023, 10:33:05 AM
Quote from: I-55 on April 20, 2023, 10:37:51 PM
The new segment of Corridor V has opened.

https://www.wtva.com/news/highway-76-extension-opens-tuesday-morning-in-itawamba-county/article_d9bb6f54-d7e9-11ed-a2e4-131e3e87eb77.html

Which remaining segments of Corridor V need to be built?

According to the status report  (https://www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FY-2022-ADHS-Status-Report.pdf)from last year, the project that just got completed was the last segment in Mississippi. In Alabama, There's $155 million of work left to complete it. I'm not sure where that work is located along the corridor or when they'll complete it.

For a moment, I thought a future upgrade of MS-25 between I-22 and Amory was part of Corridor V, hence the confusion.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: The Ghostbuster on April 26, 2023, 09:55:48 AM
There is a roadway off the end of the MS 25 north exit on Interstate 22 to Benson Jones Rd. That wasn't to have been part of a MS 25 realignment, was it?
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on April 27, 2023, 09:36:05 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 26, 2023, 09:55:48 AM
There is a roadway off the end of the MS 25 north exit on Interstate 22 to Benson Jones Rd. That wasn't to have been part of a MS 25 realignment, was it?

Very long term goal, but not part of Corridor V.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on May 23, 2023, 03:40:36 PM
Mississippi DOT has recently created a website that helps track projects in progress and those recently completed.

https://path.mdot.ms.gov/ProjMap
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Tom958 on June 16, 2023, 06:12:42 PM
The Streetview for US 72 at MS 7 (https://goo.gl/maps/rrs43R2FHHHGSmqg6) is from this month and shows construction underway for the new roundabout (WTF?) there. I haven't seen anything online about it, but a roundabout strikes me as an odd choice on a highway with a 100-foot median.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on June 16, 2023, 08:30:48 PM
^ Cody Goodman mentioned that project on Facebook.  I did some looking and MDOT is using FHWA HSIP funding for that project, which suggests that there's a crash problem.

Medians can be narrowed on an approach to a roundabout...you want to do that anyway to get the chicane effect and slow traffic before it enters.  I don't see the median width as a problem.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Tom958 on June 17, 2023, 05:57:48 AM
Quote from: froggie on June 16, 2023, 08:30:48 PM
^ Cody Goodman mentioned that project on Facebook.  I did some looking and MDOT is using FHWA HSIP funding for that project, which suggests that there's a crash problem.

Medians can be narrowed on an approach to a roundabout...you want to do that anyway to get the chicane effect and slow traffic before it enters.  I don't see the median width as a problem.

Georgia installed this roundabout after a series of fatal crashes on the brand-new Gray bypass. As you can see here (https://goo.gl/maps/XffPhw2SHDigmQjw8), with the highway's 44-foot median, only a minor adjustment to the entering roadways were required. With a 100-foot median, though, a much greater relocation will be required. If the intersection was more of a right angle, I suspect that adjustments would be required for both the entering and the exiting roadways in order to bring them close enough together. In this case, though, with MS 7 intersecting at a pretty major skew, I guess much longer relocations of both entering roadways will be used in order to square up the intersection.

Whatever they do, I find it strange that there's no specific information about it that's easily discoverable online. many agencies would be humble-bragging about their carefully-considered and innovative approach to this situation, and even if there's been some hostility to the concept, surely it'd be helpful for users, especially locals, to have the chance to fully understand what's being built, why, and how to use it once it opens.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on June 17, 2023, 11:24:55 AM
Quote from: Tom958 on June 17, 2023, 05:57:48 AM
Whatever they do, I find it strange that there's no specific information about it that's easily discoverable online. many agencies would be humble-bragging about their carefully-considered and innovative approach to this situation, and even if there's been some hostility to the concept, surely it'd be helpful for users, especially locals, to have the chance to fully understand what's being built, why, and how to use it once it opens.

This is nothing new for MDOT.  They have long been reluctant to post such project information online.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Revive 755 on June 17, 2023, 10:33:30 PM
Quote from: Tom958 on June 16, 2023, 06:12:42 PM
The Streetview for US 72 at MS 7 (https://goo.gl/maps/rrs43R2FHHHGSmqg6) is from this month and shows construction underway for the new roundabout (WTF?) there. I haven't seen anything online about it, but a roundabout strikes me as an odd choice on a highway with a 100-foot median.

Particularly for this rural location - many other states probably would have started with a J-turn.  The roundabout would be harder to replace with an interchange if the corridor gets upgraded some year.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: lordsutch on June 22, 2023, 05:35:35 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 17, 2023, 10:33:30 PM
Particularly for this rural location - many other states probably would have started with a J-turn.  The roundabout would be harder to replace with an interchange if the corridor gets upgraded some year.

With I-22 nearby and the Atlanta-Huntsville-Memphis interstate corridor dead, it seems exceptionally unlikely US 72 will need to be upgraded anytime in the future, especially on this stretch; traffic really only picks up a bit east of Corinth.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 19, 2023, 06:55:29 AM
As I was trying to find out whether or not the old Louisville and Nashville Depot in Ocean Springs, Mississippi still exists, I spotted these odd signs at every traffic signal along US 90 within the state.
https://www.google.com/maps/@30.416126,-88.8275986,3a,75y,335.17h,90.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJZeHnsgYNH7xoBwaBUSZeA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&entry=ttu
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: rlb2024 on September 19, 2023, 11:17:28 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 19, 2023, 06:55:29 AM
As I was trying to find out whether or not the old Louisville and Nashville Depot in Ocean Springs, Mississippi still exists, I spotted these odd signs at every traffic signal along US 90 within the state.
https://www.google.com/maps/@30.416126,-88.8275986,3a,75y,335.17h,90.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJZeHnsgYNH7xoBwaBUSZeA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&entry=ttu
Those traffic signal numbers have been there for years and help with local directions.  With three counties and several cities along the coast street names can be duplicated, so using numbers on the signals can be a big help -- especially in the casino areas with a lot of visitors from outside the Coast area.  The numbers increase from west to east and go up to around 70 or so if I remember right -- it's been a while since I've been to the Pascagoula end of the highway.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MoiraPrime on September 20, 2023, 02:16:28 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 19, 2023, 06:55:29 AM
As I was trying to find out whether or not the old Louisville and Nashville Depot in Ocean Springs, Mississippi still exists, I spotted these odd signs at every traffic signal along US 90 within the state.
https://www.google.com/maps/@30.416126,-88.8275986,3a,75y,335.17h,90.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJZeHnsgYNH7xoBwaBUSZeA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&entry=ttu

https://www.gulfcoast.org/shrimp-signs/
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 24, 2023, 11:01:28 PM
Quote from: MoiraPrime on September 20, 2023, 02:16:28 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 19, 2023, 06:55:29 AM
As I was trying to find out whether or not the old Louisville and Nashville Depot in Ocean Springs, Mississippi still exists, I spotted these odd signs at every traffic signal along US 90 within the state.
https://www.google.com/maps/@30.416126,-88.8275986,3a,75y,335.17h,90.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJZeHnsgYNH7xoBwaBUSZeA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&entry=ttu

https://www.gulfcoast.org/shrimp-signs/
Ahh, that helps. Thanks a lot. Of course, it would take somebody from Mississippi to know this.

Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Tom958 on November 12, 2023, 10:43:16 AM
The US 72-MS 7 roundabout is approaching completion. It'll be interesting to see how this works out. Myself, if I were using the one-lane portions of the circle, I wouldn't assume that US 72 traffic would obey the yield signs despite being forced to slow down.

Note that there are corners obstructing smooth movements from the one-lane portions of the circle into the left lane of the two-lane portions.

Image stolen from Mississipi News on Facebook. I hope they don't sue me.

(https://i.imgur.com/VDLzwQA.jpg)
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on December 01, 2023, 08:45:45 AM
Street view from October shows the progress (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.3949719,-90.9066318,3a,15y,252.73h,84.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqY7Llt6kcT_MCEQEMteEdA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m2!1e1!1e4?entry=ttu) of the US 82 Greenville bypass around Leland, MS.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: The Ghostbuster on December 01, 2023, 02:44:13 PM
The US 82/US 278 Greenville Bypass should have been completed a long time ago. It looks like it will finally be completed in Fall 2025.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: bwana39 on December 01, 2023, 03:20:11 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 01, 2023, 02:44:13 PM
The US 82/US 278 Greenville Bypass should have been completed a long time ago. It looks like it will finally be completed in Fall 2025.

It should have been.

It fell on the back burner when it looked like I-69 was coming fairly soon and fairly close. Now that I -69 looks half a century away (if ever) and not necessarily close.  If that had happened, it would have been duplicitous and likely under utilized. Completion of this road from MS-1 to US-61 (near Leland) signifies that Mississippi has no interest in the Great River Crossing (Dean Bridge). It probably signifies the last nail in its coffin.

I need to add one thing. This is just the upgrade of US-82 and US-278 from Greenville to Leland.Not so much part of the bypass

The largest Arkansas proponent for it being in that location is pretty much out of the picture now. Following a ROUGH US-82 route from El Dorado to the Mississippi River (at US-82) is relatively (if not a few less road miles) AND there is already a bridge there.  There is absolutely NO REASON for there to be two crossings within less than 30 miles of one another in a countryside (total population on both sides of the river) of less than 100,000 people.

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3568.0
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: RoadMaster09 on December 25, 2023, 04:31:48 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on December 01, 2023, 03:20:11 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 01, 2023, 02:44:13 PM
The US 82/US 278 Greenville Bypass should have been completed a long time ago. It looks like it will finally be completed in Fall 2025.

It should have been.

It fell on the back burner when it looked like I-69 was coming fairly soon and fairly close. Now that I -69 looks half a century away (if ever) and not necessarily close.  If that had happened, it would have been duplicitous and likely under utilized. Completion of this road from MS-1 to US-61 (near Leland) signifies that Mississippi has no interest in the Great River Crossing (Dean Bridge). It probably signifies the last nail in its coffin.

I need to add one thing. This is just the upgrade of US-82 and US-278 from Greenville to Leland.Not so much part of the bypass

The largest Arkansas proponent for it being in that location is pretty much out of the picture now. Following a ROUGH US-82 route from El Dorado to the Mississippi River (at US-82) is relatively (if not a few less road miles) AND there is already a bridge there.  There is absolutely NO REASON for there to be two crossings within less than 30 miles of one another in a countryside (total population on both sides of the river) of less than 100,000 people.

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3568.0

IMO, the Dean Bridge should be killed, and I-69 extended along the US 61 corridor to Greenville, then the US 82 corridor in Arkansas. While somewhat less direct, it helps provide better use of the Greenville Bridge and existing four-lane highways in Mississippi. Greenville is also somewhat larger and gets a central position too. While the Monticello Bypass loses its value, the El Dorado Bypass would become part of I-69.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: codyg1985 on December 28, 2023, 10:01:08 AM
MDOT has awarded (https://mdot.ms.gov/bidsystem_data/20231205/LETDOCS/20231205BidAwards.pdf) a $155 million contract to widen I-10 in Harrison and Hancock Counties between Diamondhead (Exit 13) and County Farm Road (Exit 28).
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: froggie on December 28, 2023, 10:54:00 AM
^ Diamondhead is Exit 16.

But this would extend the 6 lanes to Exit 13 (MS 43/603) as MDOT widened I-10 between Exits 13 and 16 as part of the Jordan River Bridge replacement back in the mid 2000s.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: MikieTimT on January 25, 2024, 04:02:06 PM
Quote from: RoadMaster09 on December 25, 2023, 04:31:48 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on December 01, 2023, 03:20:11 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 01, 2023, 02:44:13 PM
The US 82/US 278 Greenville Bypass should have been completed a long time ago. It looks like it will finally be completed in Fall 2025.

It should have been.

It fell on the back burner when it looked like I-69 was coming fairly soon and fairly close. Now that I -69 looks half a century away (if ever) and not necessarily close.  If that had happened, it would have been duplicitous and likely under utilized. Completion of this road from MS-1 to US-61 (near Leland) signifies that Mississippi has no interest in the Great River Crossing (Dean Bridge). It probably signifies the last nail in its coffin.

I need to add one thing. This is just the upgrade of US-82 and US-278 from Greenville to Leland.Not so much part of the bypass

The largest Arkansas proponent for it being in that location is pretty much out of the picture now. Following a ROUGH US-82 route from El Dorado to the Mississippi River (at US-82) is relatively (if not a few less road miles) AND there is already a bridge there.  There is absolutely NO REASON for there to be two crossings within less than 30 miles of one another in a countryside (total population on both sides of the river) of less than 100,000 people.

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3568.0

IMO, the Dean Bridge should be killed, and I-69 extended along the US 61 corridor to Greenville, then the US 82 corridor in Arkansas. While somewhat less direct, it helps provide better use of the Greenville Bridge and existing four-lane highways in Mississippi. Greenville is also somewhat larger and gets a central position too. While the Monticello Bypass loses its value, the El Dorado Bypass would become part of I-69.

I-69 having an even less direct routing through Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi further limits its utility to interstate traffic.  Mississippi will have trouble coming up with their portion of the route whether there's an additional bridge to build between Arkansas and Mississippi.  The original routing that was considered prior to the abomination that became the "Dickey Split" like we have now ran more closely along US-79 and around Pine Bluff and kept most of the mileage in Arkansas, but Trent Lott had a lot of sway back then and wanted to bring home the federal dollars to Mississippi to further develop the Delta, which surely does need it.  The same was true of Robert Moore, who was an ARDOT commissioner prior to the current one and coincidentally lives in Arkansas City.  I'll leave you to consult a map to see where the Dean Bridge is forecasted to be built.  Since he's no longer commissioner, and Lott has passed on, most of the folks who were pushing for the current route aren't in the picture anymore, so I'd be shocked if the route doesn't get revisited at some point before any of the middle SIU portions (11, 12, 13, and 14) get funding.

It would have more utility and serve more people to run up along US-79 past Pine Bluff from El Dorado and then from Hughes (south of the UP/St. Louis Southwestern RailRoad that runs from El Dorado up through Clarendon) over to Tunica to build a Mississippi River bridge south of the I-55 bridge to give the Memphis area a 3rd crossing and a better bypass of Memphis for those transiting cross country to the Gulf Coast from mid-America.  It'd also give a better road facility for Camden, AR, which is where they make a fair number of the rockets (and HIMARS) that are being lobbed in Ukraine right now, so the US and its NATO partners will be putting in $1B's in orders over the foreseeable future as the world outlook has the defense industry in general ramping up for likely the next decade at least.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: bwana39 on January 26, 2024, 07:08:05 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on January 25, 2024, 04:02:06 PM


I-69 having an even less direct routing through Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi further limits its utility to interstate traffic.  Mississippi will have trouble coming up with their portion of the route whether there's an additional bridge to build between Arkansas and Mississippi.  The original routing that was considered prior to the abomination that became the "Dickey Split" like we have now ran more closely along US-79 and around Pine Bluff and kept most of the mileage in Arkansas, but Trent Lott had a lot of sway back then and wanted to bring home the federal dollars to Mississippi to further develop the Delta, which surely does need it.  The same was true of Robert Moore, who was an ARDOT commissioner prior to the current one and coincidentally lives in Arkansas City.  I'll leave you to consult a map to see where the Dean Bridge is forecasted to be built.  Since he's no longer commissioner, and Lott has passed on, most of the folks who were pushing for the current route aren't in the picture anymore, so I'd be shocked if the route doesn't get revisited at some point before any of the middle SIU portions (11, 12, 13, and 14) get funding.


Hear Hear!

My only disagreement with all of it is that the I-69 from Nacogdoches to Memphis via US-61 (either along US-82 or a new bridge) would probably be roughly the same mileage as 369 /30/40 (only 25 miles farther using existing roads with no shortening) . The US-79 based route would probably be a little closer (almost exact with no straightening.)

I want to add one thing. The Arkansas Highway Commission is not a part of ArDOT. It holds their purse strings. ALL OF THEM. It would be more powerful than the governor herself if it were not the governor who appoints them.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: Avalanchez71 on January 27, 2024, 06:56:24 PM
Quote from: lordsutch on June 22, 2023, 05:35:35 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 17, 2023, 10:33:30 PM
Particularly for this rural location - many other states probably would have started with a J-turn.  The roundabout would be harder to replace with an interchange if the corridor gets upgraded some year.

With I-22 nearby and the Atlanta-Huntsville-Memphis interstate corridor dead, it seems exceptionally unlikely US 72 will need to be upgraded anytime in the future, especially on this stretch; traffic really only picks up a bit east of Corinth.

This already exsists.  I-40 to I-24 to I-75 or I-22 to I-65 to I-20.  The I folks just will not give it a rest.
Title: Re: Mississippi
Post by: freebrickproductions on February 28, 2024, 04:18:17 PM
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on January 27, 2024, 06:56:24 PM
Quote from: lordsutch on June 22, 2023, 05:35:35 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 17, 2023, 10:33:30 PM
Particularly for this rural location - many other states probably would have started with a J-turn.  The roundabout would be harder to replace with an interchange if the corridor gets upgraded some year.

With I-22 nearby and the Atlanta-Huntsville-Memphis interstate corridor dead, it seems exceptionally unlikely US 72 will need to be upgraded anytime in the future, especially on this stretch; traffic really only picks up a bit east of Corinth.

This already exsists.  I-40 to I-24 to I-75 or I-22 to I-65 to I-20.  The I folks just will not give it a rest.

Plus, US 72 (and US 72 Alt.) are already 4+ lanes basically the whole way between Memphis and Huntsville, and run through some generally rural areas. Really, the only major slow spots on the route are Corinth, the Shoals, Town Creek, and Decatur, but they're not usually too major of a headache.

Really the only part of a Memphis-Huntsville-Atlanta Interstate that would benefit in a major way would probably be the Huntsville-Atlanta portion, given that a significant chunk of the most direct route involves traversing some windey, two-lane roads.