The city of Ridgeland is trucking along with several projects designed to improve traffic flow and be aesthetically pleasing.
One of the largest projects currently underway, according to Public Works Director Mike McCollum, is the Lake Harbour Drive extension.
This $30 million project will connect Highland Colony Parkway and Lake Harbour by way of a flyover bridge over I-55 North, along with a multiuse trail.
The project is divided into two phases. Phase A includes the box culvert running under the railroad.
“That part is substantially complete,” McCollum said. “That included the box culvert that redirected Purple Creek, so it is a pretty big deal. It’s just about finished.”
Phase B is the roadway and the bridge over I-55, which McCollum said is 59 percent complete. The project is scheduled for completion by August or early September.
This portion of the project also includes a traffic signal at each end of the roadway.
Other notable projects underway or have been completed recently in the city include:
• The city center, or new city hall, is projected to be completed around November or December. The city is also awaiting permits from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the national park service to construct the road leading into the new city center.
• The East Jackson multiuse path, which is a multiuse path that will run from Highway 51 to Trace Ridge subdivision near the Natchez Trace, was recently completed.
• The Plant the Parkway project has been completed. This project included planting trees along the median of Highland Colony Parkway thanks to an America in Bloom grant.
• Across the city, there are plans to upgrade traffic signals. The $1 million project will upgrade all signals with emergency backup power, radar and video detection equipment. This project is in the planning stages.
• Two traffic signals will be installed as part of Renaissance Phase III. Two temporary signals are in place now. This project will be open for bids upon final approval from MDOT.
• Landscaping along I-55 at the Exit 105 interchange has been completed to improve the look of the area as one enters the city. New irrigation was installed among other improvements.
