Lake Harbour Extension nearing completion

Construction continues on the $22 million Lake Harbour Extension project that is scheduled for completion later this summer.

"We are on schedule," Mayor Gene F. McGee said. "It is moving along well and we look forward to having that project complete."

The extension of Lake Harbour Drive will permit motorists to travel from Highway 51, the current endpoint of Lake Harbour Drive, across the Illinois Central Railroad and over I-55 to the Highland Colony Parkway.

Monies from $19 million in general obligation bonds issued last year have been slated for a portion of the ongoing project, with 80 percent of the total cost being paid for by the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Some projections have the project finishing as early as July, though Public Works Director Mike McCollum said that the latest projections have the roadway open in either late August or September.

"Either way, we are ahead of schedule," McCollum said. "I don't have the contract in front of me but I know the contract completion date is later than that."



The large and complex project includes several steps including an at-grade railroad crossing, culvert replacement, multiple utility relocations, connection to a state highway, and an interstate bridge.

McCollum said that other road projects citywide continue.

Crews are currently finishing $880,000 in overlays to be reimbursed by the county. The project includes overlays on Ridgeland Avenue, School Street and throughout Dinsmore.

He said that when those streets are completed the city will start on their list of overlay projects starting in Wendover.