Mayor Explains Reasons For Congested Highway

RIDGELAND, Miss. - WAPT.com

It's a problem drivers on I-55 in Madison County face each morning: logjam traffic near the Ridgeland exit.

Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee said all the new development in the area is only part of the problem.

Just off I-55, the development is a clear reason more people are traveling through the area. The Renaissance at Colony Park and the new 13-story Butler Snow office building is nearly complete.

McGee joined 16 WAPT during Ask the Mayor Monday and faced a question from a viewer. Stephanie asked if the city is planning to do anything about the traffic on 55 since the Butler Snow building is open.

McGee said the Butler Snow building and development at the Renaissance are only partially to blame for the traffic problems. He explained the increase in enrollment at the Holmes Community College's Ridgeland campus is also to blame.

This year the campus has more than 3,700 students enrolled. That's more than 500 students than last year. School officials believe enrollment up because of the economy.

McGee said there are plans to help relieve traffic. He said the city is working with the state Department of Transportation to have an interchange built between Madison and Ridgeland. He also said there are plans to accelerate the building of the frontage roads to help decongest traffic.

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