The corridor through the City of Collins is about to be a lot brighter thanks to a $717,000 grant.
The city received a grant from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for new LED light fixtures. The fixtures and extended service area will provide a more consistent lighting footprint thus increasing visibility as well as providing a safer, more attractive means of travel. The LED bulbs are also more efficient due to the longer lifespan and increased energy efficiency when compared to the existing high pressure sodium lighting.
The lighting project will be along U.S. Highway 49 and the new Highway 84 bypass. New street lights will be installed on Highway 49 from the bypass north to the Rutland Lumber Yard and along the 84 bypass. Existing lighting will be updated along Highway 49 through Collins.
The grant is a 20 percent match with the city’s share being $143,000.
“This project will provide a safer means of travel at night,” said Mayor V.O. Smith of the project. “It will also help economic growth
for the city by attracting new customers and making nighttime travelers and shoppers feel safer on the highways.”
Smith noted that the addition of the new lights would present a good image for the city.
“It makes Collins feel more like a city than a rural area thus bringing more businesses to the area,” he said. “We are excited about the project.”
Work on the project is tentatively set to begin in June with the submission of plans, specifications and cost estimates. Advertisement for bids is expected to take place in January 2017 with construction beginning in June 2017.
“The project is expected to be completed by October of 2017,” said Smith.
