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Road work to begin soon
Published Monday, March 24, 2008
NATCHEZ — An idea to lessen traffic, inspired on the streets of Mexico City, will be making its way to the streets of Natchez soon.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation will be constructing a continuous flow intersection on the corner of U.S. 61 and John R. Junkin Drive.
Work on the project is expected to begin within one month.
The intent, of the soon-to-be reconstructed intersection, is to accelerate the speed at which traffic moves through the area.
MDOT’s executive director Larry L. “Butch” Brown said he originally saw a similar intersection in use on the streets of Mexico City and thought it would help traffic in Natchez.
MDOT’s resident engineer Jim Eggleston said a study conducted several years ago showed more than 36,000 cars per day pass through the intersection.
Eggleston said he does not have current figures for the traffic flow, but is sure the amount of cars using the intersection on a daily basis has increased.
Eggleston said the three-phase project is scheduled to be completed in approximately one and a half years.
Necessary right of ways have been acquired and very little land not already used for road will be lost to the project Eggleston said.
Phase one, which should begin within the next month, will correct the slope on both the North and Southbound lanes of U.S 61.
Eggleston said the lanes were originally constructed with a slope to allow vehicles to travel at faster speeds through bends in the road.
And with the beginning of phase one comes the beginning of traffic woes for locals.
Eggleston said traffic delays, while inevitable, shouldn’t be too severe because construction plans have been designed to allow two narrow lanes of traffic to operate at all times.
Brown said he originally thought the area, where the continuous flow intersection will be located, was ideal because there is not enough space to construct an overpass.
Brown said once completed the area surrounding the intersection will have less congestion and also harbor safer driving conditions.
The safety aspect will come into play when some of the access to the frontage road along U.S. 61 is closed.
Brown said the decrease in cars pulling on and off the highway will be safer for all motorists.
In addition better access to the Natchez Regional Medical Center’s emergency room has also been incorporated into the plans.
The project is projected to cost just over $7.3 million.
Comments
Posted by fatherof4 (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 12:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just started enjoying going that way after the liberty road bridge construction was finally finished. Now another year and half!
Posted by kd (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 12:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh boy! Can't wait for the fun that's going to bring!
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 1:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds interesting!
Posted by thetinman (Keith Reynolds) on March 24, 2008 at 5:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WE will see if this will be another financial burden for the tax payers to cough up NEEDLESSLY, like the we so need the new convention center. You ask me, the intersection where the weigh scale use to be and Walgreens needs it more!!!!!!!
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 5:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I like the way traffic flows at the liberty road intersection. I am glad to see Natchez get some of the highway money being spent. I travel this intersection daily so the construction will be an inconvience but I think it will be worth it.
Posted by Mucasplug (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 5:49 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by phoneman1 (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have seen the plans and it will be a nightmare for traffic for a while. This intersection will be worse for traffic than the liberty road construction was!
Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why after 50 years did they wait to do this? We needed four lanes coming into Natchez for industry. Now all the industry is gone and they are spending millions on intersections while the hospitlal is closing???
Posted by darylwalker (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
thetinman wrote: "You ask me, the intersection where the weigh scale use to be and Walgreens needs it more!!!!!!!"
Don't worry. There are plans to construct an overpass there in 2009. Our traffic woes won't end with the new intersection at the hospital. ;) It's a temporary inconvenience, but in the long run I think we'll all be happy with the results.
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
These plans have been in the work for several years. All the ideas suggested was in the plan of work before the Liberty Road project was begun. I live near the Liberty Road construction area and although it was a long time, it sure is grand now. It is beautiful, it will be maintained and is not a blight on Natchez.
So you are going to be inconvenienced a little bit -- you people irritate me. You want projects that will generate money for our city and county and then you gripe out of the other side of your mouths. You people are never satisfied. I would imagine if the Lord Jesus returned today, you would be dissatisfied that HE did not give you more notice -- or something.
Natchez needs this reconstruction; and the future one at the Scales intersection. Natchez needs this for today's youth and tomorrow's youth. Our time is limited on this earth but it will be for future generations. Get a grip, don't worry and get Happy!
MDOT - keep the reconstruction's coming and the money flowing into Natchez. We need the attention and better highways. This is one step of many steps. May God bless the workers, the engineers and the people and may the People Be Gracious!
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
wouldnt it be cheaper to build a bypass around natchez. then maybe we could get some real industry locating here.it would make a great spot for a truck stop..chain restaurants...and a few strip malls.
Posted by itsjustme (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Some of you people are never satisfied. You complain if nothing is going on in Natchez and you complain if something is going on. We may not need this, but at least it will give lots of people a job for quite awhile as did the Trace road work. And just maybe it will be a lot easier to get around in that area.
Posted by grrbrts (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The economic stimulus package is a good idea, but short lived, because at the same time, the price of goods have gone up!
Posted by triscuit (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Someone posted this link a few months ago...
http://www.abmb.com/cfi-testdrive.html
This is one of the more congested intersections in our area, and it doesn't have to be. Old design, numerous driveways and turnouts prevent traffic from flowing as efficiently as it could. This is a good project, and it will be inconvenient for a little while, but I'm excited about the end result!
I'm excited about the flyover at the old weigh-station too. 2009 isn't far away!
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Has anybody stopped to realize what this will do to our Emergency vehicles. Its a tight squeeze now. So when you see or hear please do your best to move over without the complaints of what they are doing to the roads, And what it will do to you. THINK " What if thats my house on fire, A member of my family hurt. So just stop and think and give the room they need. This is the real problem.
Posted by itsjustme (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is also a dangerous intersection. If I had not checked to be sure that traffic has stopped before I proceeded I would have been hit by someone running their light. This has happened several times. People think if the car in front of them are going thru, then they can make it too even if the car in front of them has ran the light too. Then that makes 2 or 3 cars running the light. It makes for a very dangerous situation. It's really bad when your headed North toward 61 and 84 and the people are coming from west from up the hill to the light. That's the one that they run and you aren't watching to see if the stop at their light.
But I always check now that it's happened to me several times.
Posted by itsawounderfullife (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am glad to see that something is going to be done with that area. I have seen many wrecks in that area, it will be a great improve for EVERYONE. I cant wait to see the end result.
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The economic stimulus package is a good idea, but short lived, because the government is spending 42 million to send out reminders.
The trace road is beautiful, but would have been better with access ramps from the road it crosses over.
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The trace road is beautiful, but would have been better with access ramps from the road(S) it crosses over.
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think this is going to be great for Natchez in the long run. I just hope people learn how to use it. When people turn onto 61 north off Liberty road, they stop where the traffic merges. They don't realize their lane is not merging into 61's traffic and they have until the NHS intersection to get over. Now I understand people trying to get over to Walmart: they are waiting until all the traffic is clear so they can go across. But I've seen people heading toward the weigh scales intersection just stop when they would be better off keeping their momentum and driving in their lane until they can merge. Sort of like some long on ramps lanes allow merging onto interstates. I know I sound confusing but if anyone got behind these long lines of stopped cars by the baseball field, you would understand.
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to honestly know what will satisfy those of you on here who don't like anything, never satisfied with anything, and find fault with everything. I wondered when the Trace was extended if the traffic would be there, and let me tell you it is. People are driving the Trace, whether just the 8 miles to eliminate the traffic they encounter going north, or to continue on to another destination. The traffic flows all day and night on Liberty Road. This has been a terrific improvement and I am glad that there are not that many entrance/exits off the Trace as that is where accidents occur. People are always in to big of a hurry to go no where.
The construction that is to begin at the hospital will be a headache as all construction is --- whether roads or buildings; but look at what we are getting. Our economy will benefit. You hotheads out there need to prepare yourselves for the end event -- not the construction end event, but your life's end event. Earth is a training ground for eternity and many of you are proving to be headed toward Satanville rather than Heavenville! Our attitudes; our kindnesses to one another; our support of others is all just a small part of the preparation for the eternal reward.
Don't worry, Be Happy. Find the Pollyanna side to things and you will find you have a happier life. Be positive and not disruptive.
Posted by wifetoone (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
for those that are in a hurry, hang up your cell phone and pay attention to what is really going on.
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Excellent advice wifetoone. I see so many using cell phones, including the police. And so many people are slouched down in their cars I don't know how they can react fast enough should they need too. Also, when you see a car in front of you with a handicap sticker, just think about what that handicap may be. It could be one such as I have where I drive with my left foot using handicap controls. I react pretty good but if you were to ride my bumper too close, you could find you are in my backseat if I misjudge my stopping range or the guy in front of me suddenly breaks.
My trip to Hawaii, (Honolulu) showed me that most drivers over there do not ride the bumper and leave plenty of room at red lights even. Must be nice!
Posted by overthehill60 (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great idea Butch Brown lets make our roads look like Mexico City and make all the illegal Mexicans feel at home!
Posted by justthefactsman (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WHOOPIE!! Just can't wait to see how many HEAD ON wrecks they are gonna have at this continuous flow BS..Man this ain't Mexico City,,We have hicks here that come to town once a month. They live in Adams county and don't have a clue where or how to navigate Natchez now. Throw all this in the mix and it is a recipe for disaster.
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(Overthehill60) Good Point! This continuous is already in operation in the Southwestern U. S. Seems to be working fine over there! Needs to stop immediately!
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am trying to see the correlation between continuous flow traffic patterns and a rise in illegal immigration from Mexico. Are we saying they can move about undetected more quickly?
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, this is the truth Swapmeet! Congress and our President are not acting quick enough to correct this massive problem! The "landscape' and "environment" are changing too quickly and not enough room for all of these bodies!
Posted by triscuit (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The continuous flow intersection is a federally funded project. The existing intersection doesn't function well and the CFI design appears to be a reasonable correction for the disfunction. There should be fewer wrecks, even as people are getting used to it - go look at the link I posted above to see how it works. The intersection at the old weigh station needs upgrading too, but it IS next in line. Construction is inconvenient, but at this point in time it is an inevitability. I'm having trouble seeing validity in the negative comments.
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(Triscuit) It appears that it will work fine!
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
1. These plans have been in the works for several years. One project at a time. At the time the plans were originated, our economic situation was a little different. (But, wasn't yesterday even a little different from today!)
2. Larry Butch Brown has done a lot of Natchez and the Southwestern part of the State which has been overlooked by many in the past.
3. The world is not ending today or tomorrow, so we prepare today for tomorrow. Same with every other project on the table.
4. Projects for the youth are wanted today, but they must also be planned for and budgeted. Thank heavens the road construction work has been budgeted and can go forward.
5. Have you seen the plans for the construction? It was published a long time ago before the Trace/Liberty Road expansion. Can't knock it because I am not an engineer as many of you are not engineers. If it works somewhere else, could it not work here too -- UNLESS, you are one of those lousy drivers who have to be first at everything. I mean, pass me and then turn less than 50-100 feet away.
6. good comments triscuit!
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fascinating to watch the video on the movement of traffic. Thanks triscuit for posting that site. I have bookmarked it so I can come and review it again and again. Amazing what they can do and to think we will be the first in the state (?) to have this. Makes our future look even brighter and especially if it is promoted by MDOT and the media.
Posted by katdaddy (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with lampchop. There are those that are happiest when they're unhappy. There's nothing you can do for them.
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am posting triscuit's link again that he posted earlier so people who don't read the whole thread may catch it. That is an absolutely trippy video. I almost got dizzy watching it...lol. If they put that in Natchez, then the sky's the limit for this progressive town...lol.
http://www.abmb.com/cfi-testdrive.html
Posted by emp (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When I first heard the idea about the contiuous flow intersection I had my doubts. But then I realized that these people know what they are doing so lets give it a chance. At first it will be awkward but we will get used to it.
Posted by peachpit (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
More redlights. Just what's needed in Natchez. Im sure it will look great but still the same ole same ole looks like to me. And as far as bringing jobs? I saw Mexico build the New Trace intersection. Yeah! Bring 'em on.
Posted by peachpit (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
By the way. I hope the new red lights are better than the ones there now. You can't see them until you're right up on them.
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on March 24, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
peachpit - take the pit out and get a happy face on. Things will work out positively. Usually do but you do have to work at it. Life is not such a bitter pill that you make it out to be. My mama and daddy taught me as a child: "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything." Next post, say something nice -- I am sure your face will not break and you will get a nice warm glow all over!
May God bless you!
Posted by thetinman (Keith Reynolds) on March 24, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well I seen the video. All I can say, I have drove in 48 states and also two provinces in Canada, Ontario and British Columbia. From this video, I was not impressed!!!!!!!!!! Still will have some redlights or some type of stopping procedure. Lambchop, I am critical because I am a thinker. One can sit back in life, and trust me, I have let people just take my kindness for weakness. UNFORTUNATLY, when burnt to many times, it makes you have a harder reaction to people. The good ole boy attitude I still have, but wiser to the ones that will stab you in the back, no offense, but the ones who really stabbed me in the back "UNETHICALLY", claimed to be Christians. Rationally thinking though, I know churches are filled with true Christians also.
From the video, sorry I think it will not be worth the time or effort. I am being positive.
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 25, 2008 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey tinman,
I'm with ya. I'm not sure it will work or not. I just thought it was a trip to watch that video. Almost looked like a real little city with the cars merging and everything. At the very end, there is a car trying to merge and the car wouldn't let them until the very end. That made it very realistic. lol
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