By By William F. West / community editor
July 19, 2002
Should officials succeed in improving Old U.S. 45, it won't come a moment too soon for roadside businesses and residents as well as those who monitor road conditions.
Johnson said he drives Old U.S. 45 several times daily and added another church is being built along the road. "And the amount of traffic that flows through on that road is just an unbelievable amount. It really is," he said.
Adam Froehlig is a Navy petty officer second class who was stationed at Naval Air Station Meridian from 1998 to 2001.
Froehlig made studying Mississippi highways such a hobby that he developed an Internet Web site on the subject, Magnolia Meanderings. A few clicks on the computer will lead one to his summary of the deteriorating condition of Old U.S. 45.
Froehlig is well-aware of the obstacles involved in getting the Mississippi Department of Transportation to retake control of Old U.S. 45 and make improvements.
State Rep. Greg Snowden of Meridian assured that something is being done about the situation, and he has good reason to know why. Not only is he one of those who has taken the initiative, his law office happens to be along the roadside, close to Marion.
Snowden added that the road is on MDOT's Vision 21 map of roads that need passing lanes. Vision 21 is the follow-up to the 1987 statewide highway improvement program.