Interchange to spark growth
The $26 million Reunion Parkway extension over I-55 that broke ground earlier this month will open up economic development and relieve traffic congestion here, officials say.
The 1.9-mile road being built with a combination of state and local funding will be two lanes in both directions and include a multi-use trial, according to Darion Warren, the project manager for Waggoner Engineering, the engineers on the project.
The project will connect Parkway East and Bozeman Road. This is Phase III of an ongoing project.
Mayor Walter Morrison said Reunion Parkway will open up all sorts of opportunities in Madison County and the city of Gluckstadt.
“It opens economic opportunities for both residential and commercial development, and it will help the city alleviate some traffic problems,” Morrison said. “Right now most traffic is regulated to Gluckstadt Road, and if some of that is diverted to Reunion Parkway, it’ll be a lot better for us.”
A statement from the Madison Business Alliance said they look forward to the opportunities the proposed roadway will open up in the area.
“It was an exciting day for Madison County at the Ground Breaking ceremony for the Reunion Parkway,” Their statement released on social media reads. “The Reunion Parkway will provide another safe and efficient east/west transportation corridor, and economic development opportunities for our fast-growing community.”
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 9 a.m. adjacent to Southern Performance Institute between Madison and Gluckstadt.
Gov. Tate Reeves spoke and said the parkway has been talked about for “years and years” and will likely take “the next several years” to complete.
Reeves said this is an “indication” of the growth that is going on throughout the state.
“This does not just benefit one city or one county but the whole state,” Reeves said to reporters after the groundbreaking.
The list of local and state dignitaries on hand included Gov. Reeves, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, U.S. Rep. Michael Guest, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons, and President of Madison County Board of Supervisors President Gerald Steen — all of whom made remarks during a press conference held before the groundbreaking ceremony.
Steen said the parkway was “much needed” and would be an important part of the county’s continued growth.
The project is in the bid phase for construction. Bids close at 10 a.m. on Aug. 30.
The project will also include access ramps which will be built by the MDOT to connect the project to Interstate 55.