Annual Report 2010.pdf - Mississippi Department of Transportation

Reexamining Transportation Statewide
Statewide long-range transportation planning, a required activity
of every DOT, provides a comprehensive analysis of transportation
needs throughout the state across all modes. It evaluates
those needs within the context of trends and challenges and
considers how transportation can best support all aspects of life
in Mississippi. Taking a big-picture, system-wide approach to prioritizing
projects helps make the best use of limited transportation
funds. MDOT’s statewide long-range transportation plan is
known as MULTIPLAN and is updated every five years. In FY 2010
MDOT began developing MULTIPLAN 2035 to weigh the transportation
needs, opportunities, and priorities of the state over
the next 25 years. The plan will include a separate State Rail Plan,
as required by state law. One major challenge being examined is
how to address the funding gap, as needs far outstrip revenue.
Smooth Sailing Across Highway 84
With the completion of the $22.3 million Prentiss Bypass in Jefferson
Davis and Lawrence counties in FY 2010, motorists and
commercial vehicles have a faster, safer trip on U.S. Highway 84
across Mississippi. Prentiss had been a bottleneck for the route’s
heavy truck traffic and through travelers to Natchez. Traffic from
State Routes 13 and 42 as well as major city streets converged at
Prentiss. U.S. 84 also serves as a connector between I-59, U.S. 49,
and I-55. The eight-mile bypass removes delays for freight and
other through traffic and alleviates congestion on local roadways.
U.S. Highway 84 has been systematically upgraded since
the launch of the 1987 Four-Lane Program. A segment of highway
at the state line in Waynesboro is the only remaining twolane
section of the route.
Improving Access in Meridian
One of the “shovel-ready” projects advanced with ARRA funds is
a new interchange on I-20/59 in Meridian linking the interstate
with U.S. Highways 80/11 to the north and State Route 19 to the
south. The project, known as the Jimmy Rogers Memorial Parkway
Interchange, is nearing completion. In addition to improving
mobility throughout the area the interchange will provide access
to a nearby industrial park. This improved access is helping the
City of Meridian attract businesses.
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