Goals & Objectives

A preliminary purpose and need for the proposed project was developed during the TPR process and will be refined through public and agency involvement during the NEPA process. A southern extension of the US 45 Bypass is needed to address the following:

• Substandard crossings of the South Fork of the Forked Deer River poses concerns for emergency response;
• Safety issues along South Highland Avenue and the US 45 Bypass and at the intersection of the two routes;
• Need for an improved system link to accommodate existing and projected traffic;
• Inadequate infrastructure to accommodate area growth and economic development; and
• Need to fulfill the legislative mandate to develop a six-lane extension of the US 45 Bypass as defined in the SAFETEA-LU HPP appropriation granted in 2005.