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The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) continues progress on several active projects along Highway 49 in Covington County.
Dirt work remains underway on Highway 49 between Mount Olive and Collins as crews continue construction work on the outside southbound lanes. Crews are working to extend pipes and box culverts in advance of the shoulder widening process. Concrete barriers are being placed for extended lane closures as retaining walls are constructed. Work will continue through early 2018.
Work continues on the intersection improvements at Kola Road as crews reconstruct and pave the frontage road. Paving work on the westbound side of the roadway is expected to be underway soon. The intersection improvements remain on track to be completed by the end of the year.
Crews recently completed tree removal from the right of way along Highway 49. All remaining stumps, limbs and debris are in the process of being mulched and removed as part of clearing operations. This type of tree removal furthers MDOT’s top priority to protect the safety of the traveling public by establishing a clear zone.
MDOT does not remove trees unless they hinder public safety or the ability to complete a highway project. Before construction work begins on a project, MDOT completes a required environmental study of the project limits that determines the minimum number of trees to be removed in order to construct and establish the clear zone, while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding environment.
Removing trees from certain areas can prevent situations such as tree roots growing too close to a roadway, drawing out the moisture from the soil and causing pavement to crack resulting in the forming of potholes, which can be dangerous for motorists and more costly for taxpayers.
Per Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance, a minimum of 50 feet from the edge of the travel lane should be maintained as a clear zone. This clear zone must be free of obstructions, like trees, that could harm motorists or prevent them from safely correcting if their vehicle veered off the roadway.
Since January 1, 2010, in Mississippi, 13,853 run off the road tree crashes involving 20,415 people have occurred. On the state-maintained system, these crashes have resulted in 636 fatalities and over 10,000 injuries.
“MDOT is conscious of the important role trees play in the environmental beauty of Mississippi,” said Transportation Commissioner Tom King. “With the safety of the traveling public and efficient use of taxpayer dollars in mind, along with the federal guidelines put in place by FHWA, MDOT has made the best decision for the state and public safety regarding tree removal operations along the Highway 49 right of way in Covington County.”
Motorists are urged to be on high alert for roadside workers during the remainder of each project. Work zones can present confusing and unfamiliar traffic patterns for some drivers. For information on how to navigate a work zone safely, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.
“Please remember to slow down and pay close attention to all traffic control devices as crews work to complete each of these projects as efficiently as possible,” King said.
The public may stay updated on this project at MDOTtraffic.com, on the MDOT traffic mobile app or by calling 511. Follow @MississippiDOT on social media for the latest details on active construction projects.
