Jackson Public Works has initiated its Street Resurfacing Program, extending efforts into the Belhaven Historic District and downtown areas. This development forms part of a broader initiative to enhance Jackson’s infrastructure.
Construction on the second phase of the Mississippi Museum Trail began in August 2023. The multi-million-dollar project aims to improve connectivity in Jackson by linking the LeFleur Museum District to Belhaven and downtown. Funded by federal transportation grants and local sales tax revenue, the project includes street resurfacing in the Belhaven area.
Citywide, deteriorating roads remain a persistent issue, with some areas awaiting repairs for years. Residents in North Jackson have experienced delays of over a decade for street improvements. In September 2023, the Jackson City Council approved a $5.1 million contract to repave just 31 of the more than 1,400 neighborhood streets identified as failing, including Peachtree Street in the Belhaven area.
The city’s Infrastructure Management Division, under the Department of Public Works, oversees road maintenance. Funding is primarily sourced from a 1% local-option sales tax, approved by voters in 2014, generating approximately $14 million annually. A $40 million bond, to be repaid over 16 years with online sales tax revenues, was also approved in late 2023 to support infrastructure projects.
Progress has been hampered by administrative and logistical challenges, including severe staffing shortages. Fourteen key operational positions remain vacant, including the city engineer position, following the retirement of Interim Director Robert Lee in 2024. These vacancies slow repair timelines and limit project scopes.
Complicating road maintenance is the yazoo clay on which much of Jackson is built. This soil type expands when wet and contracts when dry, causing frequent pavement issues. Griffin Sullivan, a state materials engineer, describes this as a continuous cycle, echoed by Jerry Clark from Independent Security, who notes the recurring nature of pothole repairs.
The economic impact of poor road conditions is substantial. Mississippi drivers face nearly $3 billion annually in vehicle repairs and time lost to traffic congestion, much of which is attributed to inadequate roads. Tonnie Clark from Independent Security has experienced multiple tire blowouts due to potholes, resulting in costly vehicle repairs.
The Belhaven project has caused temporary traffic slowdowns, but community reactions have been mostly positive. Residents and students near Belhaven University have expressed relief at the long-awaited repairs, though some have questioned the lack of similar efforts in other neglected Jackson areas.
The Mississippi Museum Trail, including the Belhaven section, is managed through a partnership between city planners, cultural institutions, and the Mississippi Department of Transportation. While the project’s focus on cultural and recreational connectivity has secured funding, critics argue that basic residential infrastructure should receive equal attention.
Despite the advancements in Belhaven, many Jackson neighborhoods continue to struggle with deteriorating roads. Progress remains slow and uneven, with a significant portion of the city’s streets in disrepair and an understaffed department. A comprehensive, long-term infrastructure strategy is needed to address these challenges fully.
The Belhaven Street Resurfacing Program represents progress for part of the city but highlights the ongoing road crisis in Jackson. Without substantial investment, better planning, and efficient execution, the city’s streets may continue to symbolize broader issues of neglect and uneven development.
