LIBERTY — Construction of the first stage of a project to make highways 24 and 48 four-laned from Interstate 55 to Woodville could begin within the next three years, Amite County supervisors learned Monday.
“That’s what we’re looking at, and we’re juggling funding (to do it),” said Darrell Broome, Mississippi Department of Transportation District 7 engineer. “A lot of that (time) depends on when we get the rights of way, and once we get those, it will take six months to get the utilities relocated.”
The project will four-lane parts of Highways 24 and 48 from Interstate 55 to Liberty, Centreville and Woodville, with a northern bypass to reroute trucks around Liberty. Highway 24 through Liberty also will be improved, several supervisors said after the meeting.
Broome said Monday that the project’s first construction phase will four-lane Highway 24 from I-55 to East Fork. He said the first phase will cost approximately $20 million to secure the rights of way and $60 million to build.
“We’re looking at one year to do the maps and designs and appraisals, and it will probably take two years to acquire the rights of way,” he said. “Some parcels will have to go through eminent domain.”
The 24/48 project was one of several Broome discussed with supervisors as he brought them current on MDOT’s projects for the area. They include:
• The installation of passing lanes on Highway 33 north, which should be completed by mid-year and cost $2.5 million.
• The Highway 570 West project, which will straighten curves and realign intersections to right angles to improve line of sight. Broome called the $8 million project a safety issue.
• The overlay of 10 miles of Highway 48 between Highways 24 and 33, and six miles of Highway 570.
Broome said lack of funding is hindering highway projects statewide. “We’re still at the funding level we were 10 years ago … so we’re doing a lot less work.”
