Westbound Road Closures Begin as Starkville Launches Highway 182 Revitalization Project
Residents of Starkville, get ready for some changes on the roads! The Highway 182 Revitalization Project is set to kick off this week, bringing with it a series of westbound lane closures that are aimed at enhancing one of the main thoroughfares in the city.
What to Expect
The first phase of the project will commence soon and is expected to be wrapped up by early January. During this initial phase, the westbound lane of Highway 182 will be closed between North Long and Jackson Streets. While this might cause some inconvenience, efforts will be made to minimize the disruption.
Detour Routes
Drivers who typically use this stretch of road will need to be aware of some detours. The suggested alternate routes include traveling via Jackson Street, Lampkin Street, Greensboro Street, and Reed Road. Additionally, other streets such as Henderson Road, Long Street, and Ernest H. Jones Jr. Drive will also be closed at the intersection with Highway 182. If heading east, expect delays as construction will also affect that direction.
Important Exceptions for Local Traffic
For those who live in the area, local traffic between Jackson Street and Pilcher Street, where Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School is situated, will still have access. This is to ensure that families can still get their kids to school with as little hassle as possible.
Impact on School Traffic
Adjustments to traffic flow are expected multiple times over the next two years due to the various phases of the project. This planning demonstrates a commitment to minimizing the impact on local schools, especially at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary.
In anticipation of the construction, bus routes have already been adjusted before the school year began. However, parents who pick up their kids via carpool will still be affected by this project. As a precaution, the fourth-grade carpool “express lane” adjacent to Highway 182 will be closed at least until October 18.
New Traffic Patterns
Because of the ongoing construction, new traffic patterns will require carpool traffic to travel westbound from Jackson Street and make a right onto School Street. Cars heading eastbound won’t be able to enter School Street for carpool pickup. Once parents have picked up their kids, they will exit onto Highway 182 to head left (eastbound).
Safety First
To ensure that traffic flows smoothly during this transition, local police officers and School Resource Officers will be on-site to guide drivers through the changing traffic scenarios.
Project Scope and Timeline
It was mentioned that the project’s timeline has been strategically adjusted to align with the school schedule. The primary contractor, Burns Dirt Construction, will fully close sections of the highway during the school’s fall and spring breaks, making it easier to perform more intensive work while minimizing impact on school traffic.
As the project unfolds, residents can expect some sidewalk closures on the north side of Highway 182 between School and Henderson Streets, although sidewalks from School to Jackson Streets will remain open.
A Glimpse into the Future
This extensive $40 million project encompasses a crucial one-mile stretch of Highway 182, running from Old West Point Road to Long Street. The ambitious plans include roadway expansion, utility upgrades, and new sidewalks, with the entire project expected to be completed by 2027.
Residents will be kept updated throughout the project’s various phases. Staying informed about the developments related to local infrastructure improvements is important for the community.
