Two long-awaited street construction projects kick off Jackson’s busy street construction season. On Monday, April 26, Morrell Street and Clinton Street will both close to through traffic so construction crews can begin work to re-build these deteriorating roadways.
The City’s Engineering Division has identified 13 infrastructure projects for the 2021 season. This year’s biggest project will bring a new water main, lead service line replacements, sidewalk/curb repairs, and pavement replacement to Morrell Street from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to Greenwood Avenue. Morrell is a busy residential street that cuts through central Jackson and connects various neighborhoods. Water service work in Phase 1 of the project begins on Monday, April 26 and is expected to be completed in July. Phase 2 will begin after underground infrastructure work is complete and will focus on restoring the roadway. The second phase is expected to wrap up in September, meaning this busy street will be closed to traffic for five months.
Also starting on Monday, April 26 is the effort to rejuvenate Clinton Street. This one-block long residential street in Downtown Jackson will see a new water main, lead service line replacements, curb/sidewalk repairs, and pavement replacement. This project is expected to wrap-up in mid-June.
Morrell and Clinton streets have notorious reputations among Jackson drivers for providing bumpy rides and being in rough shape. City records show the roadway on Clinton dates to 1957. The last time Morrell received new pavement was 1980. Both streets have underground infrastructure that’s nearly 100 years old. Public Information Officer Aaron Dimick says the City is looking forward to completing these projects, which have taken years of planning. “Currently plagued with potholes and patching, we are sure fresh pavement on Morrell Street will be a welcome relief for Jackson drivers,” Dimick said. “The City hasn’t forgotten about other deteriorating sections of Morrell, which will see repairs in upcoming construction seasons.”
Both streets will be closed to through traffic but will remain open to residents so they can reach homes. Residents wanting to receive phone and email updates on construction progress should contact Assistant City Engineer Troy White at twhite@cityofjackson.org. A list of 2021 street construction projects and start dates is available on the City website by visiting cityofjackson.org/engineering.
