Photo: Plans to install a roundabout at the intersection of state Highway 305 and Bethel Road were unveiled to the public on Thursday, July 25 at Lewisburg High School. (DeSoto County Government/Facebook)
July 26 – Representatives of the Mississippi Department of Transportation held a public meeting at Lewisburg High School on Thursday to share plans for road improvements slated for state Highway 305 and Bethel Road in Olive Branch.
Specifically, MDOT plans to install a roundabout at the intersection. During the meeting, MDOT showed the proposed plans for the roundabout and took comments from the public about the project.
“The purpose of the project is to increase traffic flow the intersection of SR 305 and Bethel Road,” MDOT stated in information about the roundabout. “SR 305 is experiencing growth in traffic numbers, development, and population in the project area.”
The positioning of the roundabout needs to be shifted to the northwest due to its proximity to a church and cemetery in the vicinity, MDOT said.
DeSoto County Supervisor Jessie Medlin (left) reviews MDOT’s plans for a roundabout. (DeSoto County Government/Facebook)
The plans did not come without concerns, however. According to the DeSoto County Government’s Facebook page, Supervisor Jessie Medlin, who represents that area, told the MDOT reps that he would rather see a light at the intersection. There were also concerns about truck traffic and the property that the state would take to build the roundabout.
Residents who wish to comment but were not able to attend Thursday’s open forum can still make their comments by mail or email.
By mail: MDOT Environmental Division P.O. Box 1850, Jackson, MS 39215
