Recently, I received an update from MDOT officials regarding the completion of this tremendous project.  Last year, the 2^nd phase of this project was completed extending the interstate from the Tennessee state line to Highway 305 in Olive Branch.  Phase one was completed prior to this from Interstate 40 to the Tennessee state line.  The last phase will complete this interstate system from Highway 305 to Interstate 55 which will connect two of the largest interstate systems in our country, I-55 & I-40.  Completion is projected in October of this year!

Many believe this could be the most significant transportation improvement project in the state of Mississippi since I-55 was opened in the 1960s.  It will improve traffic-flow efficiency resulting in reduced congestion and travel times, and is also expected to have a dramatic effect on economic development opportunities in Desoto and Marshall Counties.  Specifically, we expect that eastbound traffic and traffic from I-40 will now bypass I-55 in the City of Southaven providing relief to the Church, Goodman, and Stateline Road congestion problems.

This project is part of the larger, proposed I-69 interstate system that is planned to eventually connect Mexico and Canada.  We were and are still fortunate to have local legislators and transportation officials that had the vision and persistence for over 25 years to push this project to completion.