Road improvement project for Ingalls Avenue set to begin soon

A multi-million dollar infrastructure and road improvement project will soon be underway and when its completed, the ride to work will be much smoother for thousands of shipyard employees in Pascagoula.

The entrance to Ingalls Shipyard on the East Bank in Pascagoula has provided easy access for workers since it opened recently. City of Pascagoula Public Information Officer Katarina Luketich said, “You know we’re so fortunate that Ingalls has reinvested in the East Bank here and they have built such a beautiful facility and there are so many more employees that are going to be traveling this road. So this infrastructure project was really important to make sure that we have a roadway that can really maintain all the traveling that is going to be done on it.”

One of two entrances to the state’s largest private employer, this stretch of Ingalls Avenue has seen quite a bit of wear and tear, but improvements will get underway in just a few weeks. “This isn’t a project that’s going to be done all at once, it will be done in sections and we’ll try to keep everyone updated on what portions of the road that they’ll need to avoid during that time.”

The $5.6 million project that’s going to affect the intersection and surrounding area is being funded by a community development block grant, state funding, and is also being funded by Jackson County and the City of Pascagoula. “It’s definitely a good investment, it’s something that needed to be done, but now with so many people that will be traversing the roadway, it’s really important to get it done now.”

Along with actual roadwork, new ADA compliant sidewalks will line this road. There will also be improved lighting.

Work is slated to begin September 1^st. The project is expected to be complete June of next year.