MDOT to close part of U.S. 11
By Staff
NEW ROUTE The replacement of eight bridges, like this one near Arundel Road, will force motorists who travel a stretch of U.S. 11 from Clarke County to Meridian to find another route. The Mississippi Department of Transportation will close the highway to through-traffic in September for 15 months while workers replace and repair old bridges. Residents who live along or near U.S. 11 will be able to reach their homes. Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
June 26, 2003
The Mississippi Department of Transportation plans to close part of U.S. 11 south of Interstate 20/59 for 15 months beginning in September so workers can replace eight bridges.
Through-traffic that would normally use U.S. 11 from Clarke County to the south entrance of the Meridian Regional Airport will use Interstate 59 and I-20/59 during the $5 million project.
The stretch of U.S. 11 that will be closed connects Meridian to communities south of the city and parts of Clarke County. Once construction begins, Hall said, no through traffic will be allowed on the road.
Some residents who live or travel along U.S. 11 said they don't want the inconvenience of finding another route to work.
Others have mixed emotions about the project.
Hall said the bridges are in serious need of repair. He said they needed to be replaced because of growing concerns of their stability.
While closing a major highway to replace bridges is not always politically popular, Hall said, it's something that must be done.