Featured Project
Riverside Drive
Transportation
City of Jackson
Jackson, Mississippi
Riverside Drive in Jackson, Mississippi, which traverses the Belhaven neighborhood, was long in disrepair. On the surface, the roadway was visibly rife with dangerous potholes, while below the surface, aging sewer and water lines were contributing factors. The roadway’s dire condition was a safety issue that caused frustration as it slowed traffic significantly and required frequent maintenance.
In 2016, the City of Jackson looked to Waggoner Engineering for ways to revitalize and rehabilitate this roadway and its subsurface infrastructure. After years of planning, design and construction, the successful Riverside Drive project was substantially completed in January 2024, a significant accomplishment for the City of Jackson funded by its 1% Sales Tax Commission.
Complete Street
According to the US Federal Highway Administration, “A Complete Street is safe, and feels safe, for all users.”
Project Timeline
2016-2021
Waggoner provided planning and design phase services from 2016 to 2021.
2022-2024
Waggoner provided construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for the construction phase, which began in March 2022 and was substantially completed in January 2024.
April 12, 2024
The City of Jackson held a ribbon cutting on April 12, 2024.
Residents and travelers in Jackson rely on Riverside Drive’s east-west connection to access Interstate 55 as well as numerous businesses, educational institutions (Belhaven University, Millsaps College and primary/secondary schools), essential services (University of Mississippi Medical Center, Salvation Army and National Guard) and cultural institutions (Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and Mississippi Children’s Museum).
Waggoner provided planning and design phase services from 2016 to 2021. Engaging the City and numerous stakeholders through meetings and public outreach, Waggoner identified project concerns and expectations. Offering multiple schematic options that addressed these issues, Waggoner ultimately provided a design of Riverside Drive that met the approval of the City and stakeholders alike.
The design phase included geometric modifications to improve the typical section and pavement structure, incorporating storm drainage improvements as well as water and wastewater improvements, utility relocation, pedestrian and bicyclist amenities, existing and proposed landscape features, ADA compliance, roadway signage, and public transportation nodes.
Waggoner provided construction engineering and inspection services for the construction phase, which began in March 2022. The project was substantially completed in January 2024.
The most significant and impactful modification of Riverside Drive was to reduce the street from a divided, four-lane road by removing one lane of traffic from both east and westbound traffic while at the same time adding a sidewalk, multipurpose trail and additional green space. This reduction to one lane of vehicular traffic each way allowed for a “complete street” program with improved curb and gutter, vegetated buffers, and larger multi-use sidewalks. This accommodation for enhanced pedestrian and bike safety created a vibrant, accessible, and safe corridor through the historic Belhaven neighborhood, connecting the newly completed Museum Trail with State Street.
To address subsurface infrastructure, aging storm drains, water lines, and sanitary sewer lines along Riverside Drive were assessed and then either replaced or improved. Such improvements enhance capacity while ensuring the durability of the new roadway.
The Riverside Drive project is a significant accomplishment for the City of Jackson and its 1% Sales Tax Commission. The City’s 1% Sales Tax, approved in 2014 to fund repairs of aging infrastructure, generates approximately $14 million annually.
