Speed limit to increase on Lake Harbour bridge

Speed limit to increase on Lake Harbour bridge

Posted

RIDGELAND — Aldermen last week voted to increase the speed limit on the new Lake Harbour extension bridge over Interstate 55 from 35 m.p.h to 40 m.p.h.

City Engineer Christopher W. Bryson recommended the board increase the speed limit, saying, “This section of Lake Harbour Drive was designed and built to safely operate vehicles at a speed of 40 miles per hour.”

Lake Harbour Drive from U.S. Highway 51 to Harbor Drive on the east currently has a posted speed limit of 40 miles per hour.

“We have found that posting a consistent speed limit along the entire Lake Harbour Drive corridor, Highland Colony Parkway to Harbor Drive, will reduce driver confusion and aid law enforcement,” Bryson added.

The speed limit should go into effect in early November, 30 days after it was unanimously approved by city officials on the October 6 consent agenda. Public Works Director Mike McCollum said that they have the necessary speed limit signs in stock and should be posted within days.

The $28 million Lake Harbour extension opened in early September. Construction cost for the project came to about $22 million with another $6 million in other items like engineering and design work as well as acquiring right-of-way.

Much of the monies — 80 percent — is coming from the Mississippi Department of Transportation with the city on the hook for about 20 percent. Much of the city’s funds for the project come from just under $20 million in bonds issued to fund major capital projects last year.

Though the roadway is open some work remains to be completed. An agreement with CE&I for inspection services extended their contract 57 days and agreed to pay them an additional $96,508. The item was one of two change order unanimously approved at the last board meeting.

The other item was a change order to the tune of $2,404,053.83 with Eutaw Construction. Bryson reported in a memo concerning the item that a final inspection of the roadway was completed with MDOT on September 3 and that the project was “considered substantially complete.” Bryson noted that continued inspections will check off a punch list of items before the project fully closes out.






Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions