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Key project for US commences

In the US work is now commencing on the key I-269 highway upgrade at Byhalia in the state of Mississippi. The new US$19.5 million section now under construction will complete the beltway around nearby Memphis, Tennessee.
February 14, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSIn the US work is now commencing on the key I-269 highway upgrade at Byhalia in the state of Mississippi. The new US$19.5 million section now under construction will complete the beltway around nearby Memphis, Tennessee. When completed in 2014, this first phase of Mississippi's portion of I-269 will provide 5km of new roadway and bridge construction from State Route 302 to the Mississippi/Tennessee state line. The new link is expected to reduce congestion and move traffic and freight throughout the state as well as in and around nearby Memphis. This will be the first of four phases of highway construction in Mississippi however. The completed I-269 loop in Mississippi is expected to cost $668.7 million and will provide a 40km direct connection from the existing I-55/I-69 Interchange to the Tennessee state line, linking major freight routes in the region.

The entire I-269 corridor is part of the overall 1,600-mile long I-69 corridor that will eventually connect Canada to Mexico through the US. "Not only is Mississippi helping complete this bi-state beltway around this major metropolitan area, but the finished roadway will spur development and economic growth throughout the state," said US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Projects like this boost the economy and create jobs while moving people and goods as safely and effectively as possible." "This project will help move freight across Mississippi, enhance regional and national transportation networks, and connect communities," said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez.

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