Jackson Free Press

The city is moving forward with a massive repaving effort as crews grind out and cover sections of some of the city's most beleaguered roadways. The road work, touching down in spots all over the city, is the result of a $26.2 million bond the Jackson city council approved prior to the municipal elections this year. The council incorporated the bond into Jackson's 2009 road plan, though the bond is not financing all of the paving happening this year.

"Some paving was actually appropriated prior to (Jackson Mayor Harvey) Johnson's departure more than four years ago," said Jackson Communications Director Chris Mims. "The money was already there, but for some reason never used."

Mims said money for paving along Woodrow Wilson Avenue had already been set aside and ready for use just before former Mayor Frank Melton replaced Johnson in the Democratic primaries four years ago. Mims said the Melton administration should have had access to the money, and could not answer why Melton had not moved forward with the work.

"I have no idea why they didn't use it," Mims told the Jackson Free Press, adding that one or two other streets other than Woodrow Wilson will benefit from money left over from Johnson's last term, though he could not immediately recall the street names.

Paving is a welcome addition to the city, according to many of its residents, such as Ward 1 Councilman Jeff Weill, who claimed that a drive down north Jackson's Plantation Boulevard could "rattle your teeth out of your head."

Plantation Boulevard has already been milled in preparation for a new layer of asphalt. The city recently finished grinding down speed bumps that the last administration added to the residential street a few years ago to slow traffic on the road—a job already accomplished by a swarm of potholes, according to residents.

The city will also be paving portions of Terry Road between Daniel Lake Boulevard and McDowell Road, in addition to Lynch Street and Highway 80. The city is also installing handicapped-accessible curb ramps in many sites receiving new pavement, like Terry Road and Plantation Boulevard.

Also on paving schedules are parts of Northside Drive, Gallatin Street and McDowell Road. South Jackson is seeing some benefit, too, with new asphalt headed for Belvedere Road, between Raymond and McDowell Road.

Previous Comments

ID

150124

Comment

I saw the road crew on Beasley Road this morning near the Stronger Hope church. That stretch of road between State Street and Calloway High School was one of the worst in the city. I can't wait for Woodrow Wilson to be done. State Street near UMC needs to be on that list as well. I don't understand, too, why Melton didn't use the funds to fix Woodrow Wilson. But didn't he did turn down some money from UMC to get new fire trucks or something to that matter?

Author

golden eagle

Date

2009-07-27T14:22:01-06:00

ID

150125

Comment

At least Johnson can manage the city better. Oh, and I'd agree on those streets around Calloway. I was stunned someone paved Hanging Moss in that two-lane stretch there.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-07-27T14:26:00-06:00

ID

150149

Comment

I wonder how much money was left over to pave the streets four years ago.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2009-07-28T07:31:50-06:00

ID

150158

Comment

Belvedere Drive is already nicely repaved, about 10+ years overdue. Just needs re-lined and it'll be good to go :)

Author

KristinB

Date

2009-07-28T10:22:22-06:00