State waiting for study to route port highway

GULFPORT — The state is awaiting a port study before setting the final route for the southern end of a limited-access highway that will run from an expanded port to Interstate 10.

Department of Transportation director Melinda McGrath said MDOT wants to take into account community concerns.

The Sun Herald reports work already has started on the northern portion of the road, from I-10 to 28th Street. Preliminary design shows the southern portion taking an elevated route through downtown Gulfport.

Planning for the connector road began more than 17 years ago, in 1994. Over the years, many residents and city representatives have complained about design plans for the road’s southern portion. They dislike the fact that it would be elevated, segmenting downtown and potentially leading to blight.