by Hunter Dawkins
Monday morning, the City of Long Beach Pineville Road Sidewalk Project had their ribbon cutting at the intersection of Pineville Road and Harper McCaughan Elementary School. City officials, Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Gulf Regional Planning Commission all had representatives present at this 9:00am event.
This project began in February, as the project was awarded to Moran Hauling, Inc. in November 2017. The sidewalk improvements along Pineville Road starting at the intersection of Beatline & Pineville Roads and going to Harper McCaughan School.
According to Long Beach Mayor George Bass, this project has completed 1.3 miles, but still has three miles to go in order to complete this plan by Railroad Street. “It’s very important to us with these newer subdivision required to have these sidewalks in,” said Mayor Bass. “This is just another connectivity to make this available.”
The mayor spoke highly of the previous administration with the ability to receive this grant money about four years ago. Former Long Beach Mayor Billy Skellie was present and spoke about living off Pineville Road for 38 years and the economic development that comes with this project. “The estimated amount fell in line with something we could match during my time,” said Skellie. “Anytime you bring safety into the equation, you’re helping some economic development.”
Cross-walks walks are pointed with pavement recognition and a flashing sign installed to hault drivers as pedestrians are crossing the street.
Neel-Schaffer and the City of Long Beach have been working on this plan since 2015.
