Red lights on Highway

[the truth]

The TRUTH traveled to Jackson on HWY 49 recently and noticed relatively new red lights near Mac's fish camp turnoff, two in collins, one in Magee and Star, and scores in the Florence and Richland. Hwy 49 was once a meandering road that went through the downtown area of many MS towns, including Hattiesburg. Then the lawmakers decided the state needed a faster route from Jackson to the Coast, so much land was bought or commandeered and much money spent for this purpose. THE TRUTH appreciates the need for development, but for those in the know, why doesnt the state use frontage roads or some similar mechanism to allow those who want to shop to get off the main thoroughfares, travel the frontage road to the merchants and those who want to travel to continue on. It literally took 45 minutes to get from Florence to Jackson, that could have been accomplished in the 60's driving 45 miles an hour. WHERE IS THE TRUTH.

[58ford]

I've got pics of my great uncle traveling 49 on a Harley back when it was Oiled dirt.

[Tully Mars]

THE TRUTH appreciates the need for development, but for those in the know, why doesnt the state use frontage roads or some similar mechanism to allow those who want to shop to get off the main thoroughfares, travel the frontage road to the merchants and those who want to travel to continue on. It literally took 45 minutes to get from Florence to Jackson, that could have been accomplished in the 60's driving 45 miles an hour. WHERE IS THE TRUTH.

They have done some of that around Magee and the general plan for redevelopment of 49 between Highway 98 and the Camp Shelby South Gate will include service roads. I do agree that traveling from Florence to Jackson is a pain. You should try it heading south from Jackson at around 5:00 or 5:30 in the afternoon.

[Bahlk]

I've been there going south. If there is a wreck or road construction, pure gridlock and you might as well put your car in park.