MDOT plans new Camp Shelby entrance

FORREST COUNTY — The Mississippi Department of Transportation will use $10 million to begin planning a new interchange at the south entrance at Camp Shelby, south of Hattiesburg.

MDOT expects to spend about $50 million on the “Camp Shelby Southgate Interchange Project,” with construction projected to start in 2013.

MDOT engineer Red Stringfellow says the project will give Camp Shelby motorists unrestricted access to U.S. Highway 49 South at the Southgate entrance/exit.

He tells the Hattiesburg American that a bridge will eliminate drivers from having to navigate oncoming traffic in what is considered a dangerous intersection.

MDOT officials say environmental impact studies and designs for the project have already been approved. They are now in the process of acquiring right of way and utilities, which should take about a year.