Highway 182 Revitalization Project Slated to Begin This Fall
The highly-anticipated Highway 182 Revitalization Project is one step closer to becoming a reality in Starkville. A board of aldermen vote is the final step needed for the project to begin. The aldermen will consider a $36.4 million bid from Burns Dirt Construction for general contracting duties. If approved, the project could start as early as September or October, with a target completion date of spring 2027.
Project Details and Funding
The estimated $45 million project includes additional costs for engineering, environmental assessments, and contingencies. Federal and state funds will cover the remaining costs after the city’s $2.5 million contribution towards a U.S. Department of Transportation Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant.
The revitalization project will cover approximately one mile between Old West Point Road and Long Street. Plans involve reducing the road to two lanes with landscaped medians, adding pedestrian and cycling lanes on each side, and upgrading underground utilities. The goal is not only to enhance the area aesthetically but also to stimulate economic development in the corridor.
Increased Expenses and Revenues
Despite efforts to reduce project costs, such as taking control of the highway stretch from the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the total project cost has increased by almost $4 million compared to last year’s estimates.
The $36.4 million bid from Burns Dirt Construction is $3.3 million higher than the bid from Necaise Brothers Construction Company, which was rejected in August 2023. However, city officials believe that the current plan offers more value for the investment.
One significant change from last year is that Starkville now has sufficient funds for the project. In addition to the $12.6 million BUILD grant obtained in 2019, the city secured a $20 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant in June, along with $10.2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact on Henderson Ward Stewart
During the construction phase, traffic flow near Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School will be a key consideration on the western half of the project area. The school accommodates 1,000 students and handles about 52 buses and 600 carpool vehicles daily. City and school officials are exploring various options to reroute traffic, with final decisions pending Burns securing the contract and outlining the construction schedule.
To minimize disruptions, the school and city will communicate construction plans, alternate routes, and updates through their websites, social media, and alert systems throughout the project duration.
Despite the expected construction challenges, Haley Montgomery, the communications director for Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District, views the Highway 182 project as a positive development. She expressed excitement, stating, “We’re very excited about the 182 project. It’s going to be great for Starkville and great for our Henderson Ward Stewart campus.”
