MDOT Opens New Portion of Highway 67 in Harrison County
GCN   Filed 5/13/08  GCN
 

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) officially opened a portion of the new Highway 67 late Tuesday afternoon. This was after contractors completed a ten mile segment of the highway from Highway 49 at Saucier south to the Highway 605 Interchange. (Marked in orange - Photo Right)

The paving project was contracted to Huey Stockstill, Inc. of Picayune at a final cost of nearly $20 million. 

MDOT Southern Transportation Commissioner Wayne Brown said this project will increase vehicle capacity in the area and provide another hurricane evacuation route. 

“This highway is much needed,” said Brown.  “The completion of the Highway 67 project, along with Highway 605 and Highway 49, will provide for a triangle for residential and commercial expansion adding to the economic well-being of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. That is a significant achievement.”

Brown adds that the additional roadway will help alleviate congestion on Highway 49 in North Gulfport and Interstate 10 between Gulfport and Biloxi. 

The project also features a pedestrian - bicycle lane begins at the beach in Gulfport and continues along State Highway 605 to State Highway 67 and ends at Highway 49 at Saucier at the Tuxachanie Trailhead.
 
Starting this week, motorists— particularly local residents who have been using the roadway in recent weeks— should be aware of new traffic control measures such as stop signs and red lights. 

The earthwork portion of the project was completed in 2005 by T.L. Wallace Construction Company of Columbia.  The final southern portion of the Highway 67 construction is scheduled for completion early next year.