After recent discussion about Corridor V in another thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3568.msg260353#msg260353), I emailed MDOT and asked them if they had a timeline to complete Corridor V. MDOT's reply:
Quote
The design is complete, however the project is not in our 5-year plan for construction. I've also attached a Google Earth image showing the proposed route.
Quote from: codyg1985 on November 21, 2013, 05:38:41 AM
I am wondering whether MS 76/Corridor V will intersect with the end of the MS 25 four-lane at a T-intersection or if the four lane will just continue straight onto Corridor V with MS 25 traffic having to turn off of or onto Corridor V?
(above quote from Construction begins on South Greenville, MS freeway (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3568.msg260399#msg260399) thread)
Here is a snip from MDOT's Google Earth image of the proposed intersection:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FUfmNpKb.jpg&hash=3eee2c3d0e6bd1c6b231a0d3dedbd2913a909b99)
Here is a snip of the image from the state line area:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F6tAER6x.jpg&hash=2172339d821b345b7e004ad14cd91d28d148a5ef)
Here is a snip of the entire planned corridor:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FfijVish.jpg&hash=bfa177b53dff33cb485a244b6a2f4b9d6d6d6610)
Thanks, Grzrd! I'm sort of glad that Corridor V/MS 76 will be the through route when it splits off of MS 25 north of Fulton.
Wonder if there are any long-term plans to give Corridor V a U.S. route number, since it will become a major connector between Tupelo and Decatur/Huntsville upon completion? I don't know about everyone else, but this looks like a good place for U.S. 272 or 478.
Quote from: Charles2 on December 05, 2013, 12:31:04 AM
Wonder if there are any long-term plans to give Corridor V a U.S. route number, since it will become a major connector between Tupelo and Decatur/Huntsville upon completion? I don't know about everyone else, but this looks like a good place for U.S. 272 or 478.
US 565 :bigass:
Could go southwest to Jackson on MS 25 rather than ending at Fulton/Tupelo.
Quote from: NE2 on December 05, 2013, 01:32:12 AM
Quote from: Charles2 on December 05, 2013, 12:31:04 AM
Wonder if there are any long-term plans to give Corridor V a U.S. route number, since it will become a major connector between Tupelo and Decatur/Huntsville upon completion? I don't know about everyone else, but this looks like a good place for U.S. 272 or 478.
US 565 :bigass:
Could go southwest to Jackson on MS 25 rather than ending at Fulton/Tupelo.
Could extend further NE via Tn 55, US 70S, and TN 111 to Kentucky and call it US 39.
Mapmikey
To extend Mississippi 25 from Iuka to Jackson would mean that the State of Mississippi would have to find a Route that would link Starkville and West Point without going down US 82 east and US Alt 45 North. There is a secondary road between Starkville and West Point already but it isn't numbered and is really a County Rd. Also at Aberdeen there has to be a straight interchange rather than turning into 45 and going South on 45 a ways and then North on 25 like it is now.
I have rode with my Mother Hwy 25 all the way from Jackson on Lakeland Drive to Starkville and it seems like it could be given an Interstate designation in places North of Jackson. (Louisville could be an exception)
Quote from: lordsutch on November 21, 2013, 12:35:52 AM
To my mind the open question is to what extent MDOT's plans to widen MS 25 coincide with Corridor V; if there's no overlap (i.e. an online widening of MS 25, which is pretty curvy between Corridor V and Tishomingo County), it's less likely to happen than if MDOT plans to use a lengthy chunk of Corridor V and then strike off on new terrain north toward Belmont near MS 23. For now though MDOT's focus seems to be on MS 25 between US 45 and US 78, rather than the north-of-78 section.
(above quote from Construction begins on South Greenville, MS freeway (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3568.msg260391#msg260391) thread)
Page 21/26 of the pdf of this document (http://www.usm.edu/sites/default/files/groups/center-logistics-trade-and-transportation/pdf/mdot_transportation_needs_highres_2.pdf) indicates that MDOT does not intend to use the new terrain Corridor V as a major part of the MS 25 widening project in Itawamba County:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FzfQ9Qg6.jpg&hash=fc442d6f8d058713bb20b98c84eb0b02ba71b882)
With two roughly parallel four-lane projects in such close proximity, I emailed MDOT and asked if one project has been prioritized over the other. MDOT's reply:
Quote
According to our Planning Division : Both the Itawamba County 4-laning of MS 25 and the Itawamba County section of Corridor V have a year of need past the current MDOT 5-year program. These routes will be prioritized according to the criteria set forth in the V21 legislation.
Might need to check back in a decade or so .......
Quote from: Grzrd on December 07, 2013, 11:16:58 AM
MDOT does not intend to use the new terrain Corridor V as a major part of the MS 25 widening project in Itawamba County:
Silly. They could build a route north from the V/23 intersection to Golden just as easily as a longer new-terrain 25 southwest of Golden.
Bear in mind the Vision 21 maps are illustrative; unless they have a design for MS 25 north of Corridor V (AFAIK they haven't even done any environmental work), widening the existing alignment isn't set in stone.
Quote from: Grzrd on July 28, 2012, 10:54:01 AM
This July 23 article (http://blog.al.com/sweethome/2012/07/transportation_bill_eliminates.html) reports that MAP-21 changed the ADHS funding formula: ADHS projects now can be paid 100% with federal dollars, BUT that money is no longer specifically designated for particular projects
(above quote from Birmingham Northern Beltline (I-422, I-959) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2731.msg164381#msg164381) thread)
Quote from: NE2 on December 07, 2013, 01:13:42 PM
They could build a route north from the V/23 intersection to Golden just as easily as a longer new-terrain 25 southwest of Golden.
Quote from: lordsutch on December 08, 2013, 12:24:39 AM
Bear in mind the Vision 21 maps are illustrative; unless they have a design for MS 25 north of Corridor V (AFAIK they haven't even done any environmental work), widening the existing alignment isn't set in stone.
Agreed. I asked for a map showing the plans for the MS 25 widening and did not receive one. With MAP-21 now providing 100% federal funding for ADHS projects (with those projects now having to compete against other state projects for the federal money), it would seem to make sense for MDOT to at least explore leveraging the new terrain ADHS Corridor V to the greatest extent possible for the MS 25 widening.
Quote from: NE2 on November 23, 2013, 03:59:13 AM
the completed (?) Corridor V near the state line
(above quote from Construction begins on South Greenville, MS freeway (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3568.msg260774#msg260774) thread)
This May 11, 2013 article (http://www.franklincountytimes.com/2013/05/11/new-stretch-of-alabama-24-opens/) reports that an approximate 14-mile section from Franklin 21 to the Mississippi state line opened in early May:
Quote
The western section of Alabama 24 in Franklin County opened to traffic this week, which over time, should make the drive between Russellville and Red Bay a little shorter ....
The nearly 14-mile section is the second phase of the Alabama 24 four-lane project, also known as Corridor V. The first phase was from U.S. 43 in Russellville to near Belgreen. The new section of highway stretches from Franklin 21 to the Mississippi state line. Now that the western section has opened, officials said bids will be let on the third and final phase, which will run from Belgreen to Franklin 21. Once that section is completed, Alabama 24 will be a four-lane highway from Decatur to the Mississippi state line.
Quote
Now that the western section has opened, officials said bids will be let on the third and final phase, which will run from Belgreen to Franklin 21.
This post (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=5555.msg245128#msg245128) indicates that a contract has been awarded for the third phase:
Quote from: codyg1985 on September 05, 2013, 07:43:52 PM
A low bid of $18.5 million from APAC Mid-South also came in for the base and pave along 8.9 miles of AL 24/Corridor V west of Russellville. This section will complete Corridor V in Alabama as it was originally planned.
edit
NE2 recently posted, in another thread, (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=11117.msg264715#msg264715) that the recently let AL 24 section has a projected completion date of summer 2016:
Quote from: NE2 on December 12, 2013, 06:34:37 PM
4 lanes to Russellville, under construction to Red Bay (estimated completion summer 2016 (http://aldotapps.dot.state.al.us/ConstructionBulletin/CBhome.aspx))
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
(above quote from Mississippi (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=97.msg191814#msg191814) thread)
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
(above quote from Mississippi (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=97.msg232296#msg232296) thread)
This August 25, 2013 editorial (http://djournal.com/opinion/opinion-intersection-reconstruction-benchmarks-progress/) provides an optimistic completion date of May 2014 for the MS 6 portion of Corridor V, and it also uses MS 6 as a case example for the proposition that Mississippi needs to consider new funding mechanisms for its highway system:
Quote
The final work to connect U.S. 45 with the new, four-laned Mississippi Highway 6 will tie up traffic at the intersection of Green Street and Highway 145 for the next three months in south Tupelo, but the light at the end of the tunnel is the projected opening of the new road in May after a decade and more of planning and construction ....
The new Highway 6 is a universe away from the single-lane ribbon of concrete that until well after World War II connected Tupelo and Pontotoc ....
The last section under construction runs from Highway 342 in Pontotoc County to Highway 45 in Tupelo.
Much of the new Highway 6 construction was part of Corridor V in the Appalachian Highway System, a federally funded program that also involves new portions of Mississippi Highway 25 and a new road connecting into Alabama. U.S. 78 is part of Corridor V as well as Corridor X, soon to become Interstate 22.
The interconnectivity of highways like Mississippi 6 illustrates the complexity and the financial balancing act required to build the highways Mississippi needs. All the completed four-lane highways in Northeast Mississippi have been built since 1987, a fact of history that should not be ignored by legislators and other decision makers who are all but dismissive of the idea that additional hundreds of millions must be spent to maintain the system and build other, new roads for growth dependent on top-grade transportation.
May doesn't seem overly optimistic to me; a couple of weeks ago it looked like the road was basically done except for some final surface paving, signage, and overhead gantry installation at the Green/Gloster Street end, unless it's really behind somewhere else. The Google overheads, which have to be older since the work at Gloster isn't as advanced, shows most of the paving done already.
In looking at MDOT's February 25 contract advertisements (http://mdot.ms.gov/Applications/BidSystem/lettingInfo.aspx?r=0&date=February%2025,%202014), I noticed a MS 6 project in the Tupelo area. I emailed MDOT and asked about the project. MDOT's response:
Quote
The project letting in February is on the old 2 lane Hwy 6. This maintenance type project is to prepare the Old route to return to the maintenance jurisdiction of the City and County. In doing this project we will return it to them in "like new" condition.
Quote from: lordsutch on December 12, 2013, 05:08:37 PM
May doesn't seem overly optimistic to me
I also asked about the anticipated opening date of the "new" MS 6 and it is still looking like May:
Quote
If the weather corporates [sic] we should have traffic on the New Corridor MS 6 /US 278 by Mid May.
Quote from: Grzrd on February 05, 2014, 11:57:08 AM
I also asked about the anticipated opening date of the "new" MS 6 and it is still looking like May:
Quote
If the weather corporates [sic] we should have traffic on the New Corridor MS 6 /US 278 by Mid May.
This article (http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2014/apr/15/four-lane-mississippi-highway-link-nears-opening/) reports that MDOT is now anticipating a mid-June opening for Tupelo's "new" MS 6:
Quote
An almost-finished ribbon of pavement to provide an uninterrupted four-lane link from U.S. 45 in Tupelo to Interstate 55 in Batesville is projected to open in mid-June.
The last 10-mile stretch of Miss. 6 runs from Pontotoc County to south Tupelo.
Mississippi Department of Transportation District Engineer Mark Holley told the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal a portion of the segment needs a final layer of asphalt, signage, striping and some shoulder work but all dirt-moving is complete.
The new road nearest Tupelo is fully controlled access; it becomes a controlled access with grade-level crossings in more rural areas. Holley says the speed limit probably will be 65 mph.
Holley said $42 million was spent on earlier phases of the final segment, bringing total anticipated investment to $68 million for the 10 miles ....
The highway also is designated Corridor V in the Appalachian Development Highway System.
Another article (http://djournal.com/news/new-highway-6-slated-mid-june-opening/) includes a photo of the construction:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FNPzK3OV.jpg&hash=7a2b3eec65808c364c83d69773dcf5e71f767b57)
QuoteThe new road nearest Tupelo is fully controlled access; it becomes a controlled access with grade-level crossings in more rural areas.
Judging from aerial imagery, it looks like the "interchanges" at Bissell Rd and the Natchez Trace Pkwy will be right-in/right-outs instead of proper ramps. Otherwise, yes it looks like it'll be fully-controlled access for just under 4 miles from CR 199 over to MS 145/Gloster St.
Quote from: froggie on April 18, 2014, 11:45:30 AMJudging from aerial imagery, it looks like the "interchanges" at Bissell Rd and the Natchez Trace Pkwy will be right-in/right-outs instead of proper ramps. Otherwise, yes it looks like it'll be fully-controlled access for just under 4 miles from CR 199 over to MS 145/Gloster St.
MDOT did the same thing on the new MS 9 near Fairview: essentially RIRO rather than proper ramps at the one interchange. Assuming the traffic volumes stay low it shouldn't be a problem, especially given that most of the growth in Tupelo seems to be along 178 and N Gloster.
Quote from: Grzrd on April 17, 2014, 11:53:33 AM
This article (http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2014/apr/15/four-lane-mississippi-highway-link-nears-opening/) reports that MDOT is now anticipating a mid-June opening for Tupelo's "new" MS 6
This article (http://djournal.com/news/resurfacing-continues-highway-6-tupelo/) reports that weather issues have pushed the projected opening until late June:
Quote
MDOT District Engineer Mark Holley, who heads engineering in the Tupelo office of the Mississippi Department of Transportation ....
the opening of the new Mississippi Highway 6 from Tupelo to Black Zion Road in Pontotoc County is expected late this month, Holley said. That segment, once opened to traffic, will complete the four-laning of the highway from Tupelo to Pontotoc, through Oxford to Batesville.
Holley said the east end of the new Mississippi 6 work on South Gloster Street at the connector to U.S. Highway 45 in south Tupelo has been delayed by weather issues.
Quote from: codyg1985 on December 04, 2013, 07:12:35 AM
I'm sort of glad that Corridor V/MS 76 will be the through route when it splits off of MS 25 north of Fulton.
Quote from: Grzrd on December 07, 2013, 11:16:58 AM
MDOT's reply:
Quote
According to our Planning Division : Both the Itawamba County 4-laning of MS 25 and the Itawamba County section of Corridor V have a year of need past the current MDOT 5-year program. These routes will be prioritized according to the criteria set forth in the V21 legislation.
Looking past the opening of the new MS 6 in Tupelo, the September 30, 2013 Status Report for Corridor V in Mississippi (http://www.arc.gov/noindex/programs/transp/adhs_status_report_2013/ADHSFY2013StatusReportMississippi.pdf) reports that final stage design and ROW acquisition is proceeding on the final, new terrain section of Mississippi's section of Corridor V from MS 25 eastward:
Quote
Projects currently under way on Corridor V in Mississippi include:
- Paving on the section from SR 342 in Pontotoc County to SR 145 & then to US 45 in Tupelo, Lee County
- Final stage design and ROW acquisition on the section between Fairview (at SR 25) and SR 23
It will probably be a long time before any construction begins, though.
edit
The September 30, 2013 Status Report for Corridor V in Tennessee (http://www.arc.gov/noindex/programs/transp/adhs_status_report_2013/ADHSFY2013StatusReportTennessee.pdf) reports that 2.5 miles were under construction at that time and the remaining 1.3 miles have been completed:
Quote
Corridor V runs from the Alabama State line near South Pittsburg to I-24 at Kimball. The total length of the corridor is 3.8 miles.
Authorized for ADHS Funding 3.8 miles
All Eligible Work Complete 1.3 miles
Remaining Stage Construction 2.5 miles
The Sept. 2013 ADHS Completion Plan Report (http://www.arc.gov/images/programs/transp/ADHSCompletionPlanReport-9-2013.pdf) indicates that the 2.5 miles of construction had been planned to be completed in December 2013:
Quote
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3AO7ryw.jpg&hash=06bef1060ab753efdb4c7a63c58489afcce56d8c)
I wonder if the I-24/US 72 interchange rebuild project was considered part of what was needed to complete Corridor V? Before that, the I-24 bridge had a low clearance that would cause some trucks to have to detour to get around it.
Alabama may be planning to build a welcome center along US 72 westbound after you cross from South Pittsburg, TN.
Quote from: codyg1985 on June 08, 2014, 09:19:37 AM
I wonder if the I-24/US 72 interchange rebuild project was considered part of what was needed to complete Corridor V?
I think so. The 2012 ADHS Tennessee Cost-to-Complete Report includes it (http://www.arc.gov/images/programs/transp/2012_adhs_cost-to-complete/Tennessee2012CostToComplete.pdf):
Quote
Corridor V
Corridor V extends 3.8 miles from the Alabama state line to I-24. The estimated cost to complete Corridor V in Tennessee is $30.7 million.
Remaining work includes the following:
Construction of interchanges at E.Twelfth Street, and E. Third Street in South Pittsburg.
Reconstruction of the interchange at the junction of US72/SR-27 and I-24.
Construction of a welcome center at the Alabama state line.
I don't see how an interchange at Third Street would fit since it is so close to the existing TN 156 interchange.
Quote from: codyg1985 on June 08, 2014, 09:19:37 AM
I wonder if the I-24/US 72 interchange rebuild project was considered part of what was needed to complete Corridor V? Before that, the I-24 bridge had a low clearance that would cause some trucks to have to detour to get around it.
Alabama may be planning to build a welcome center along US 72 westbound after you cross from South Pittsburg, TN.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.millenniumhwy.net%2FJune_2006_Day_1%2FJune_2006_Day_1-Images%2F232.jpg&hash=cea7c91ca34d1e937e62e13dc1710948429ed89c)
Quote from: Grzrd on June 05, 2014, 08:30:46 AM
The September 30, 2013 Status Report for Corridor V in Tennessee (http://www.arc.gov/noindex/programs/transp/adhs_status_report_2013/ADHSFY2013StatusReportTennessee.pdf) reports that 2.5 miles were under construction at that time and the remaining 1.3 miles have been completed.
Quote from: codyg1985 on June 08, 2014, 09:19:37 AM
I wonder if the I-24/US 72 interchange rebuild project was considered part of what was needed to complete Corridor V?
I emailed TDOT to check on the status of I-24/US 72 rebuild project and they replied that the project was completed in April 2013:
Quote
The project to reconstruct and improve the I-24 interchange at U.S. 72 in Marion Co. was completed in April of 2013. The completion of this project does not complete Corridor V in Tennessee. It is my understanding that the work for this corridor includes the construction of interchanges at 3rd Street and 12th Street along with a proposed welcome center. Currently, the Department has no plans to construct these projects.
Quote from: Grzrd on June 05, 2014, 08:30:46 AM
The Sept. 2013 ADHS Completion Plan Report (http://www.arc.gov/images/programs/transp/ADHSCompletionPlanReport-9-2013.pdf) indicates that the 2.5 miles of construction had been planned to be completed in December 2013
Given the April 2013 completion date of the interchange rebuild in combination with no current plans to build the two remaining projects, I have no idea where the December 2013 completion date for all of Corridor V in Tennessee came from.
This article (http://djournal.com/news/new-highway-6-opening-july-15/) reports that the new four-lane MS 6 will open on July 15:
Quote
Mississippi Department of Transportation officials confirmed Thursday that the new four-lane section of Mississippi Highway 6 into Tupelo is scheduled to open July 15.
A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 10 a.m. that day near the Hancock Drive interchange south of Tupelo High School ....
The ceremony will mark completion of the $27 million final paving project on the roadway from U.S. Highway 45 in Tupelo to Interstate 55 at Batesville. Other sections of the highway artery have been open for several years.
Tupelo District Construction Engineer Jamie McDonald said weather conditions hold the key to completion of the final 10-mile segment. A resurfacing of the connector to U.S. 45 off South Gloster Street must be complete before the highway can open to traffic.
McDonald said inclement weather has delayed the opening, which had been projected earlier for late May or June.
The final link has been designated U.S. 278/SR 6, but it's expected to be known as Highway 6.
Quote from: froggie on April 18, 2014, 11:45:30 AM
Judging from aerial imagery, it looks like the "interchanges" at Bissell Rd and the Natchez Trace Pkwy will be right-in/right-outs instead of proper ramps. Otherwise, yes it looks like it'll be fully-controlled access for just under 4 miles from CR 199 over to MS 145/Gloster St.
The article also discusses the access issue:
Quote
officials said the new roadway nearest Tupelo is fully controlled access but it becomes a controlled access with grade-level crossings in more rural areas. The speed limit probably will be 65 mph ...
Quote from: Grzrd on June 27, 2014, 11:57:25 AM
This article (http://djournal.com/news/new-highway-6-opening-july-15/) reports that the new four-lane MS 6 will open on July 15
This article (http://djournal.com/news/officials-aiming-monday-opening-new-highway-6/) reports that the ribbon cutting for the new MS 6 took place today, but the new MS 6 will not open to traffic until Monday, July 21, at the earliest:
Quote
Mississippi Department of Transportation officials, legislators and about 200 other people marked the official ribbon cutting for new Highway 6/U.S. 278 Tuesday morning, but the last segment of the our-lane connecting I-55 at Batesville and U.S. 45 in Tupelo won't open to traffic until Monday at the earliest.
Frequent rainfall has delayed final work on the section from Highway 342 in Pontotoc County to U.S. 45, but District Engineer Mark Holley said, "We're shooting for Monday" to open.
Quote from: Grzrd on July 15, 2014, 02:02:07 PM
This article (http://djournal.com/news/officials-aiming-monday-opening-new-highway-6/) reports that ... the new MS 6 will not open to traffic until Monday, July 21, at the earliest
This TV video (http://www.wtva.com/news/national/story/Troopers-residents-concerned-with-Highway-6/NZcowoQyKESkncs2R_v_3Q.cspx) reports that the new MS 6 will open to traffic on Thursday, July 24, but it also reports that the Mississippi Highway Troopers are "on edge" that drivers wil ignore stop signs at intersections:
Quote
Construction on the new Highway 6 is almost complete.
On Monday, crews continued putting a few final touches on the new stretch of road, which they plan to open to drivers on Thursday.
But Mississippi Highway Troopers are on edge about opening the highway.
For years, people living along Highway 6 had never had to worry stopping at a stop sign, but come Thursday, they'll have to ....
It even has the Mississippi Highway Patrol on edge.
"We all get in routines of life, and in that routing of life when it's changed, sometimes we forget about the change," said MHP Troop F Public Information Officer Ray Hall. "In this case, it could be deadly if you do forget about the change."
Hall said they're taking some measures to warn people, like having officers direct traffic.
"Obviously, with the man power, we won't be able to do that all the time," Hall said.
Quote from: Grzrd on July 22, 2014, 10:35:00 AM
This TV video (http://www.wtva.com/news/national/story/Troopers-residents-concerned-with-Highway-6/NZcowoQyKESkncs2R_v_3Q.cspx) reports that the new MS 6 will open to traffic on Thursday, July 24
This article (http://djournal.com/news/new-highway-6-us-278-opens/) includes two photos and reports that the new section of MS 6 opened to traffic on July 24:
Quote
The final segment of new Mississippi Highway 6/U.S. 278 opened at 11 a.m. Thursday, with traffic immediately flowing steadily on the four-lane route connecting U.S. 45 in south Tupelo with Interstate 55 at Batesville ....
On Highway 6, as that new route likely will be known, heavy trucks immediately were seen hauling commercial goods as Mississippi Department of Transportation employees added final touches like new highway signs, roadside spraying and a check of safety striping.
Quote from: Grzrd on December 08, 2013, 03:00:27 PM
NE2 recently posted, in another thread, (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=11117.msg264715#msg264715) that the recently let AL 24 section has a projected completion date of summer 2016
Now begins a two-year wait until another section of Corridor V opens .....
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=1c5670edcf89cb1c01c221302881ae168f3ca1f6)
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.
Looks like the new MS 9 is a better route for Corridor V traffic.
Quote from: codyg1985 on November 10, 2014, 09:12:46 PM
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.
There is a plan to extend the expressway east to existing MS 6 (this extension is technically not part of Corridor V, I think) to improve access to Plantersville, but that doesn't explain the angled arrow on the sign unless they plan to patch it with a down arrow in the future. It's also possible MDOT and ALDOT is considering a more direct routing of US 278 when/if US 78 is decommissioned.
It's also possible they screwed up the sign, since there's no logical reason to route US 278 back onto MS 6 just to get down to Amory. The existing multiplex with US 45 is more direct and built to a higher standard.
MS 9 (which was the original routing of Corridor V) is probably still the preferable route if you're headed to I-22 or planning to follow incomplete Corridor V to Huntsville, but US 278 is a definite win if you're headed to Starkville or Columbus, to the extent one being headed to Starkville can be considered a "win" at least.
Quote from: lordsutch on November 11, 2014, 10:55:25 AM
It's also possible MDOT and ALDOT is considering a more direct routing of US 278 when/if US 78 is decommissioned.
I would certainly hope so. The routing of US 278 between Hamilton and Tupelo makes little sense.
Quote from: Grzrd on December 03, 2013, 06:23:23 PM
After recent discussion about Corridor V in another thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3568.msg260353#msg260353), I emailed MDOT and asked them if they had a timeline to complete Corridor V. MDOT's reply:
Quote
The design is complete, however the project is not in our 5-year plan for construction.
The Status of ADHS Corridors in Mississippi as of Sept. 30, 2014 (http://www.arc.gov/noindex/programs/transp/adhs_status_report_2014/ADHSFY2014StatusReportMississippi.pdf) has been posted and, not surprisingly given MDOT's money crunch, it does not reflect any new developments:
Quote
Projects currently under way on Corridor V in Mississippi include:
- Design and ROW acquisition have been competed on the section between Fairview (at SR 25) and SR 23. Construction has not been programmed.
Time for a money fairy?
Quote from: Grzrd on June 05, 2014, 08:30:46 AM
The Sept. 2013 ADHS Completion Plan Report (http://www.arc.gov/images/programs/transp/ADHSCompletionPlanReport-9-2013.pdf) indicates that the 2.5 miles of construction had been planned to be completed in December 2013
The Sept. 30, 2014 report for Tennessee (http://www.arc.gov/noindex/programs/transp/adhs_status_report_2014/ADHSFY2014StatusReportTennessee.pdf) indicates that the 2.5 miles in Tennessee is "remaining stage construction":
Quote
Corridor V runs from the Alabama State line near South Pittsburg to I-24 at Kimball. The total length of the corridor is 3.8 miles.
Authorized for ADHS Funding 3.8 miles
All Eligible Work Complete 1.3 miles
Remaining Stage Construction 2.5 miles
I'm sure the TDOT portion of Corridor V is really low on the totem pole now that the I-24/US 72 interchange revamp is finished.
Quote from: lordsutch on December 02, 2015, 02:49:58 PM
Note however that Hillary Clinton, at least, has promised that she will restore a dedicated ARC funding stream if elected (whether she can deliver on this promise, of course, is a completely open question given that Congress has the power of the purse, not the president). If that happens, I'd imagine projects on the slow or back burner like the remainder of Corridor V (and maybe even the Interstate upgrade for the Batesville-Tupelo section - I'm not sure how that would interact with the 100% federal funding rule) ... will get renewed attention.
(above quote from Birmingham Northern Beltline (I-422, I-959) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2731.msg2109887#msg2109887) thread)
Quote from: lordsutch on December 03, 2015, 03:09:33 AM
Quote from: froggie on December 02, 2015, 06:04:17 PM
QuoteInterstate upgrade for the Batesville-Tupelo section
Has this been suggested/proposed?
See high priority corridor 42 on this list: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/high_priority_corridors/hpcfitext.cfm (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/high_priority_corridors/hpcfitext.cfm)
(above quote from Birmingham Northern Beltline (I-422, I-959) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2731.msg2110080#msg2110080) thread)
The Batesville-Tupelo section of ARC Corridor V Future Interstate currently has termini at I-55 and I-22. If the ARC corridors somehow do receive dedicated funding in the near future, then it might be worth investigating a westward extension of Corridor V to Clarksdale and a terminus at Future I-69. Here is a snip from a map of the unfunded (abandoned?) Delta Development Highway System (http://dra.gov/images/uploads/content_files/Delta_Development_Highway_System.pdf), which includes the Batesville-Clarksdale corridor (p. 15/82 of pdf):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FrBF4x8C.jpg&hash=2aa84c57dca5814661f9f179510de3fd7d1af77e) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FQ28BMef.jpg&hash=e49b497ef9aedc2645cea493d17362b376e01ca9)
Doing so would help create an alternative Shreveport - Birmingham interstate corridor. It might be worth a try if the dedicated funding becomes a reality.
Quote from: Grzrd on November 24, 2015, 11:31:42 PM
This article (http://www.commercialappeal.com/business/logistics/Memphis-backlog-of-uncompleted-road-projects-nears-1-billion-352338291.html):
Quote
Dexter Muller, a senior advisor for the Greater Memphis Chamber ....
TDOT's Shelby backlog is dwarfed by an estimated $1.5 billion pricetag of a third Mississippi River bridge ...
"That's not a project the state should have to fund," Muller said, noting that the nation would suffer a massive economic loss if Memphis area bridges were knocked out by a calamity like an earthquake.
Quote from: Wayward Memphian on November 25, 2015, 09:20:49 AM
He's right. In fact, there needs to be two. Arkansas should be screaming for two as well because that would create a loop of Memphis that included Arkansas ....
(above two quotes from Southern Gateway Project: New Memphis Mississippi River Bridge (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3523.msg2108025#msg2108025) thread)
A variation on Wayward Memphian's idea for two more Memphis bridges would be, in addition to a third Memphis bridge, to incorporate an interstate-grade Batesville-Tupelo section of Corridor V into a southern bypass of Memphis by having it connect to the Brinkley to Batesville Highway Corridor (https://www.arkansashighways.com/public_meetings/2012/110549/Proposed%20Corridor%20Summaries%20(2).pdf). Here is snip of how one of the alternatives would connect to Batesville (p. 2/10 of pdf):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FgwxeOY1.jpg&hash=b87e93389b46d4b736b1f641b629a7628b2b8ee4)
This "southern bypass" would be similar to I-49 South possibly serving as a southern bypass of Baton Rouge.
Collectively, much of the above is a pipe dream, but it provides a possible future for Batesville playing an important part, in addition to the I-55 corridor, of a Clarksdale-Tupelo Corridor V I-xx corridor that would be part of a greater Shreveport-Birmingham interstate corridor, and a Brinkley-Tupelo southern bypass of Memphis that would include an interstate-grade Corridor V.
I find the concept of a potential Interstate along Corridor V highly curious, not to mention highly political. Consider that, earlier this year, MDOT pulled the plug on a potential Batesville bypass for MS 6 because they concluded that traffic volumes on MS 6 just didn't warrant the expenditure...
Quote from: Grzrd on December 03, 2015, 08:57:22 PM
Quote from: lordsutch on December 02, 2015, 02:49:58 PM
Note however that Hillary Clinton, at least, has promised that she will restore a dedicated ARC funding stream if elected (whether she can deliver on this promise, of course, is a completely open question given that Congress has the power of the purse, not the president). If that happens, I'd imagine projects on the slow or back burner like the remainder of Corridor V (and maybe even the Interstate upgrade for the Batesville-Tupelo section - I'm not sure how that would interact with the 100% federal funding rule) ... will get renewed attention.
(above quote from Birmingham Northern Beltline (I-422, I-959) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2731.msg2109887#msg2109887) thread)
Quote from: lordsutch on December 03, 2015, 03:09:33 AM
Quote from: froggie on December 02, 2015, 06:04:17 PM
QuoteInterstate upgrade for the Batesville-Tupelo section
Has this been suggested/proposed?
See high priority corridor 42 on this list: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/high_priority_corridors/hpcfitext.cfm (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/high_priority_corridors/hpcfitext.cfm)
(above quote from Birmingham Northern Beltline (I-422, I-959) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2731.msg2110080#msg2110080) thread)
The Batesville-Tupelo section of ARC Corridor V Future Interstate currently has termini at I-55 and I-22. If the ARC corridors somehow do receive dedicated funding in the near future, then it might be worth investigating a westward extension of Corridor V to Clarksdale and a terminus at Future I-69. Here is a snip from a map of the unfunded (abandoned?) Delta Development Highway System (http://dra.gov/images/uploads/content_files/Delta_Development_Highway_System.pdf), which includes the Batesville-Clarksdale corridor (p. 15/82 of pdf):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FrBF4x8C.jpg&hash=2aa84c57dca5814661f9f179510de3fd7d1af77e) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FQ28BMef.jpg&hash=e49b497ef9aedc2645cea493d17362b376e01ca9)
Doing so would help create an alternative Shreveport - Birmingham interstate corridor. It might be worth a try if the dedicated funding becomes a reality.
Quote from: Grzrd on November 24, 2015, 11:31:42 PM
This article (http://www.commercialappeal.com/business/logistics/Memphis-backlog-of-uncompleted-road-projects-nears-1-billion-352338291.html):
Quote
Dexter Muller, a senior advisor for the Greater Memphis Chamber ....
TDOT's Shelby backlog is dwarfed by an estimated $1.5 billion pricetag of a third Mississippi River bridge ...
"That's not a project the state should have to fund," Muller said, noting that the nation would suffer a massive economic loss if Memphis area bridges were knocked out by a calamity like an earthquake.
Quote from: Wayward Memphian on November 25, 2015, 09:20:49 AM
He's right. In fact, there needs to be two. Arkansas should be screaming for two as well because that would create a loop of Memphis that included Arkansas ....
(above two quotes from Southern Gateway Project: New Memphis Mississippi River Bridge (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3523.msg2108025#msg2108025) thread)
A variation on Wayward Memphian's idea for two more Memphis bridges would be, in addition to a third Memphis bridge, to incorporate an interstate-grade Batesville-Tupelo section of Corridor V into a southern bypass of Memphis by having it connect to the Brinkley to Batesville Highway Corridor (https://www.arkansashighways.com/public_meetings/2012/110549/Proposed%20Corridor%20Summaries%20(2).pdf). Here is snip of how one of the alternatives would connect to Batesville (p. 2/10 of pdf):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FgwxeOY1.jpg&hash=b87e93389b46d4b736b1f641b629a7628b2b8ee4)
This "southern bypass" would be similar to I-49 South possibly serving as a southern bypass of Baton Rouge.
Collectively, much of the above is a pipe dream, but it provides a possible future for Batesville playing an important part, in addition to the I-55 corridor, of a Clarksdale-Tupelo Corridor V I-xx corridor that would be part of a greater Shreveport-Birmingham interstate corridor, and a Brinkley-Tupelo southern bypass of Memphis that would include an interstate-grade Corridor V.
I get what you are saying. I think it's a great idea. I think it's too far south for it to be an effective loop of Memphis by incorporating Arkansas. It would also require a new bridge at Helena as US49 is only two lanes. The reason I would like to see at least the Southern Gateway bridge that would basically connects the US 70/US 79 intersection to the area where I-69 ends at this point in Tunica and here's why:
Lots of land for development
Would connect North Miss /South Memphis DCs with the intermodal facility in Marion while relieving some burden and promote more growth on the Arkansas side
New bridge to help assure movement of goods in case of bridge failures up stream from seismic activity, an insurance policy as it would provide alternate routing to I-55 and I-40 on the eastern side of the eiver.
Relieve traffic pressure in Memphis Proper and localize it more.
Also, what about the Ark 1 4 lane divided that runs south of Forrest City toward Helena till it ends around where it would cross the St. Francis River and never reaching US 49 as a 4 lane. You could complete the 4 lane connection to I-40 to the west of Forrest City and to US 49 and this Corridor V to Brinkley. It would basically give Arkansas a mirror of I-69 on the Mississippi Side.
I don't think the rest of the country understands how exposed this massive goods corridor is to The New Madrid and it's paltry amount of bridges. An 1812 sized shake would basically seal off crossing from St Louis to Greenville. That's rail as well.
Crazy idea, See that little nipple just west of I-69 in Tunica that's Arkansas land on the east side of the River thanks to course changes before the COE's attempt to control the river. Arkansas could build a toll bridge over the Mississippi since it's Arkansas on both sides. The eastern side was a sporting gun facility of the now shut down Harrah's/Grand Casino.
Quote from: Wayward Memphian on December 19, 2015, 01:08:04 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on December 03, 2015, 08:57:22 PM
Brinkley to Batesville Highway Corridor (https://www.arkansashighways.com/public_meetings/2012/110549/Proposed%20Corridor%20Summaries%20(2).pdf)
.. what about the Ark 1 4 lane divided that runs south of Forrest City toward Helena till it ends around where it would cross the St. Francis River and never reaching US 49 as a 4 lane. You could complete the 4 lane connection to I-40 to the west of Forrest City and to US 49 and this Corridor V to Brinkley. It would basically give Arkansas a mirror of I-69 on the Mississippi Side.
Here is a snip from one of the maps included in the study of a proposed corridor that uses AR 1 to Forrest City:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FyekLBHr.jpg&hash=58653076dd3b40e36d7f617d964e76aeb31fb77a)
The study concluded that this corridor would create jobs and economic opportunities, but that it would have a minimal diversion of traffic from I-40 (p. 7/10 of pdf).
Quote from: Grzrd on December 19, 2015, 01:04:30 PM
Quote from: Wayward Memphian on December 19, 2015, 01:08:04 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on December 03, 2015, 08:57:22 PM
Brinkley to Batesville Highway Corridor (https://www.arkansashighways.com/public_meetings/2012/110549/Proposed%20Corridor%20Summaries%20(2).pdf)
.. what about the Ark 1 4 lane divided that runs south of Forrest City toward Helena till it ends around where it would cross the St. Francis River and never reaching US 49 as a 4 lane. You could complete the 4 lane connection to I-40 to the west of Forrest City and to US 49 and this Corridor V to Brinkley. It would basically give Arkansas a mirror of I-69 on the Mississippi Side.
Here is a snip from one of the maps included in the study of a proposed corridor that uses AR 1 to Forrest City:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FyekLBHr.jpg&hash=58653076dd3b40e36d7f617d964e76aeb31fb77a)
The study concluded that this corridor would create jobs and economic opportunities, but that it would have a minimal diversion of traffic from I-40 (p. 7/10 of pdf).
Extend it to Jonesboro and a potential southern bypass that would connect AR 226 and I-555/US 63.
I like the idea of the Southern Gateway a lot more than extending Corridor V in this manner. However, I don't think those are mutually exclusive.
Noted construction at the west end of Mississippi Highway 76 at MS 23 last Thursday.
Mississippi DOT Starts Work on Highway Construction Project (https://www.ttnews.com/articles/mississippi-dot-starts-work-highway-construction-project)
QuoteThe Mississippi Department of Transportation recently began a construction project to extend state Route 76 as part of a regional highway development effort.
Specifically, the project will add 9 miles to state Route 76 in Itawamba County, which lies in the northeast part of the state. The extension will create a link between state routes 23 and 25. SR 23 connects with SR 76, which stretches into Mississippi for less than 3 miles before it changes designation at the Alabama border.
Although short, SR 76 makes up part of the Appalachian Development Highway System in Mississippi
QuoteMDOT's project is meant to complete the final portion of Corridor V, a section of the Appalachian Development Highway System that runs from Batesville, Miss., to Marion County, Tenn., which is just west of Chattanooga.
QuoteThe project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Although the majority of construction work will take place away from existing roads, MDOT still cautions drivers to be alert for highway workers and equipment.
The $81 million extension project was supported in part by a federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant of $52.4 million. Smith noted that constructing roads in mountainous areas is expensive and requires certain environmental processes, such as dodging wetlands and maintaining the safety of endangered species.
Quote from: Alex on September 14, 2020, 10:01:07 AM
Noted construction at the west end of Mississippi Highway 76 at MS 23 last Thursday.
Mississippi DOT Starts Work on Highway Construction Project (https://www.ttnews.com/articles/mississippi-dot-starts-work-highway-construction-project)
QuoteThe Mississippi Department of Transportation recently began a construction project to extend state Route 76 as part of a regional highway development effort.
Specifically, the project will add 9 miles to state Route 76 in Itawamba County, which lies in the northeast part of the state. The extension will create a link between state routes 23 and 25. SR 23 connects with SR 76, which stretches into Mississippi for less than 3 miles before it changes designation at the Alabama border.
Although short, SR 76 makes up part of the Appalachian Development Highway System in Mississippi
QuoteMDOT's project is meant to complete the final portion of Corridor V, a section of the Appalachian Development Highway System that runs from Batesville, Miss., to Marion County, Tenn., which is just west of Chattanooga.
QuoteThe project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Although the majority of construction work will take place away from existing roads, MDOT still cautions drivers to be alert for highway workers and equipment.
The $81 million extension project was supported in part by a federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant of $52.4 million. Smith noted that constructing roads in mountainous areas is expensive and requires certain environmental processes, such as dodging wetlands and maintaining the safety of endangered species.
:clap: It's finally happening!