Work coming at railroad crossings

The Holly Springs mayor and board of aldermen discussed possible interruptions in local traffic routes during work on tracks of the Mississippi Central Railroad.

Several key crossings will be reconstructed, including the crossings at Van Dorn Avenue in front of the Depot and Phillips Grocery, one at Neely Avenue and another at Govan Avenue.

“These are the railroad crossings that are in desperate need of repair,” said public works director Will Denton.

The board anticipates detours to be necessary when work at these locations begins. Two of these routes will likely be worked on this year, with the third to be completed sometime in 2020, Denton said.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation will also designate an official detour route when construction of the new Salem Avenue Bridge Replacement Project begins, the board said.

“We have to be thoughtful,” said alderman Christy Owens, “even if it is MDOT’s official route. There are times people won’t be able to go around.”

MDOT is also the agency in charge of the Salem Bridge Replacement Project.

Denton said bidding for the contract ended the last of May, and if awarded, a notice to proceed would likely be issued by MDOT around the first of August.

Construction will soon begin on a Safe-Routes-To-Schools project. It will be located at Maury Street and Van Dorn Avenue and continue on to the primary and intermediate schools. It includes installing a sidewalk, lighting and crosswalks along Maury Street.

The project, estimated to cost $585,345, will be paid for by MDOT with a city match. MDOT’s portion of the cost will be $417,000. A recommendation to award the bid must pass the approval of MDOT before it can be announced, Denton said.

Construction could begin within about 45 days.

Summer camps

The board approved five summer camps for children, and parents should be checking with the city clerk’s office to get the information on fees, times, length of camps and signups. The Kilgore Summer Basketball Camp, a twoweek baking camp, a two-month fun with arts and crafts camp, two one-week robotics camps, and a two-week basketball camp were approved.

Aldermen also approved payments of:

• $2,350 to Planet Recess for repair of the splash pad.

• $2,700, $400, $535, $535, $19,918 (April garbage collection) and $56 to Team Waste.

• $6,280 and $9,200, and $845 to Slaughter and Associates for Phase 2 Annexation planning.