STARKVILLE – Commuters passing through Mississippi State University’s campus will have to reroute next week as two major infrastructure projects get underway.
Hardy Road will close Monday as construction on Hardy Plaza begins. The $1.7 million project will convert the gated street into a “safer, greener and more connected corridor for pedestrians and cyclists,” according to an MSU press release.
The project was paid for in part with a $5 million private donation and was supplemented by university beautification funds, Sid Salter, vice president for strategic communications and director of public affairs, told The Dispatch. ECON Construction will handle the project, which is expected to be completed by May.
A portion of Stone Boulevard, stretching from the Highway 12 Bypass to B.S. Hood Road, will also close beginning Dec. 17. The closure will occur while a new traffic circle is installed at the intersection of Stone Boulevard and Bost Drive. The traffic circle, which will be installed by Burns Dirt Construction, will cost about $1.4 million, the bulk of which was supplied through the federal Transportation Alternatives Program. About 20% of the funding was supplemented by the university, Salter said.
Construction of the traffic circle is expected to be completed in July.
In the meantime, the west side of campus will remain accessible via University Drive, College View Drive and Bully Boulevard. Alternate routes will be maintained, and commuters are asked to follow posted detours.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 24 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
