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The opening of the new Dollar General located at 4973 Hwy 28W of Magee is fast approaching.
With this new store opening comes some safety concerns. Here at Magee News.com we have received several calls asking for “Sue On Your Side” to help find out some answers.
As a Corinth community resident was going to work early a.m. during the week of the Jan. 12th, she approached the curve of the new Dollar General and found several concrete trucks stopped in the middle of the highway. Her concern is there are no signage, lights, etc. notifying motorists to slow down. The concerned citizen mentioned she is aware of the new construction zone but what about the motorists traveling through not knowing. Another concern is the spotlights on the front of the building shining toward the Hwy 28 traffic. As motorists approach the stop sign on State Farm Road across from the new construction, they are blinded by the spotlights that are located on the front of the new business.
With these concerns, MageeNews reporter Jason Ratcliffe started calling. Jason started with the Simpson County supervisors office. Rhuel Dickerson stated signage would have to come from the Mississippi Department of Transportation due to the location being on a state highway. Mr. Dickerson understood the citizens safety concerns and wished he could do more to assist.
Jason continued to call MDOT and was given the contact information for Albert White who is the MDOT Engineer for Simpson County. Mr. White returned the call and stated signage is coming. The exact date of when the signage will be installed is not available. Mr. White stated he was aware of the citizens’ concerns and would do everything he could to assist. Mr. White went on to say that included in signage will be 45mph speed limit signs. MDOT has also cleared trees back from the construction site to help motorist see around the curve better.
Another call was made to the Dollar General Corporate office in Tennessee. The operator directed Jason to the “Support Services“ division where he voiced both concerns and requested a call back from the District Manager, Drew Spears. Drew contacted MageeNews reporter on Monday and stated he understands the concerns and stated he would be in contact with the proper personnel later in the week to see what can be done with the bright lights directed towards highway.
Mr. Spears also stated the proposed date of the new Dollar General opening is February 1, 2017.
All individuals that spoke with MageeNews understands the concerns of the citizens and are willing and trying to help with each concern.
I think it’s great that we have new businesses coming to Simpson County one reason is the 18 newly created jobs that comes with this new business. The big question is …was this the best location?
I do not think the location for the store was thought out very carefully, it will just be a matter of time before there is an accident. How are 18 wheelers going to get in and out with deliveries without blocking the highway?