Jones County has a need for major improvements with transportation. Several highways and city streets are so congested that cars and trucks pile up at every major intersection. Most likely you are thinking about Laurel’s 16th Avenue (Ms Hwy 15 N)? Maybe you get fouled on Hill Street in Ellisville? Those are testimonies to planning that is far too late to fix. We must consider other highways that will provide land for development; development that will build our tax base.
Today there was a Pubic Hearing to discuss widening of U S Highway 11 South from Industrial Boulevard at the Laurel Airport Industrial Park to Harrison Boulevard. The portion of that thoroughfare South of I-59 must carry over 7,000 people (jobs) to work everyday. How many 18 wheel trucks drive there every day too? Guess what? The plans are done, but there is no money.
Mississippi Highway 590 extension, that surely will help relieve some of Ellisville’s Hill Street pressure, is on the way. It is funded, but when will they get busy? Ellisville needs that NOW. JCJC will grow even more once it has a gateway that is inviting and looks like its 21st Century campus.
If I lived in East Laurel or East of Laurel and had to use the old Underpass at Cross Street, I would just scream. Redevelop Chantilly now!
What do you think?
