Commissioners approve MDOT safety contract for road upgrades in Jackson County

A significant safety contract for road improvements in Jackson County was approved during the Board of Commissioners Public Safety and Transportation Committee meeting on July 14, 2025. The contract focuses on enhancements at South Jackson Road and Ackerson Lake Road, including tree removal, guardrail upgrades, and the installation of a flashing light stop sign.

The project requires a local match of $52,720, with the remainder funded through grants. Commissioner Bair highlighted a minor error in the resolution title, which incorrectly referenced a different project. The committee agreed to amend the resolution before it moves to the full board for final approval.

In addition to the contract, the committee reviewed ongoing projects, including the completion of pavement marking on several roads and updates on the Mike Levin Trail construction. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for this Thursday at 11 AM to celebrate progress on the trail.

The monthly report also revealed that the county has been actively addressing road maintenance, with nearly 3,000 queue alerts logged this year and 180 current pothole requests being processed. The committee noted an increase in paver patching efforts, with over 250,000 dollars allocated to improve rough road areas, as well as a budget amendment for chip sealing primary roads, a practice not undertaken in several years.

These developments underscore the county's commitment to enhancing public safety and maintaining infrastructure, with further updates expected as projects progress.