The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) a $44 million Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects (INFRA) grant.
“This $44 million INFRA grant will help MDOT move a critical capacity project forward, making travel safer and reducing congestion along an important freight corridor,” MDOT Executive Director Brad White said.
MDOT will use funding to expand the I-55/I-69 corridor from four to 10 lanes. Three travel lanes will be added in each direction. Ramp lanes, turning lanes, and lengthened acceleration and deceleration lanes will be added at the interchanges at Church Road and SR 302. The project is expected to reduce impacts on commercial logistics for the entire southeast United States.
MDOT has completed design and right-of-way acquisition on I-55, and construction for phase one is scheduled to begin next year.
“DeSoto County has posted impressive growth numbers for years, and this roadway funding is an investment in its continued success,” U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MI) said. “By improving infrastructure, we attract job creators, facilitate tourism, and boost local businesses. I will continue working with local and state leaders to bring federal support to projects all over the Magnolia State.”
Approximately 70,000 vehicles daily travel from Goodman Road to Church Road.