Hwy 6

[King Rat]

Or 76, whatever it is called once it is four-laned. I am referring specifically to the new stretch of four-lane highway just opened between Pontotoc and Tupelo. Like everyone, I guess, I couldn't wait for it to finally open. I wonder, though, if the DOT actually has any quality guidelines in place to make sure we get a safe highway for the millions of dollars we spent. It isn't really noticible when you are driving a four-wheeled vehicle but just try changing lanes on a motorcycle after getting on the new westbound stretch near the Pontotoc Country Club. First time I did it I almost lost control. Second time I remembered and gripped the handlebars tight and it still put pucker marks in my seat. There is a ridge of asphalt that runs along the white-dotted line separating the two lanes that is very dangerous for us two-wheel riders. Anyone else notice this?

[TF Admin]

I know the stretch well KR, and even the point you reference with the uneven paving. I don't ride a two wheeled road hog like yourself, but I too was wondering the same thing two weeks ago. The quality is suspect at best. As I recall, there was a study done a couple of years ago, and Mississippi placed 1st or 2nd, I cannot remember which, as having the most dangerous highways in America. It's obvious...we build them that way!

But I still say Louisiana has the worst highways I have ever had the unfortunate experience of driving upon, followed closely by Arkansas...I'd put Mississippi at a distant third compared those two.

TF

[Pontotocmom]

I have noticed it. There are a few really rough spots and they aren't going to smooth them over in the forseeable future. Look at the exit lane from 9 north to 76 it isn't hardly big enough for a two-wheeler much less a four wheeled vehicle. The day it opened we did drive it so I could let my Daddy know where it stopped at. (He has an enquiring mind, and children to tell go do things that he doesn't want to do himself) And what is up with the name of the road, 278, highway 6, highway 76 what is the name?
TF you are right Lousiana does have the worse roads IMO. Arkansas has come up a few hairs in the last year. Everytime someone mentions going thru Arkansas I have to ask it they still are doing road work and yes they are. I went thru there about 10 years ago and the whole state was road work it seemed like . Then the following years it seemed a little better. Last year the stretches of road work had dwindled. But to get to Texas from here you have the choice of Lousiana or Arkansas damned if you do or don't on that one.

[King Rat]

The absolute worst around here, IMO, is 78 between Belden and Sherman. It is just flat out dangerous on a bike.

[Crimson]

You have to keep in mind though that the city/state doesn't build these roads, they only pay for them. I don't know what company actually did the engineering work for those roads but it wasn't mine. We've been hearing rumors of the city/state firing certain engineers for crappy work. I've also come to understand that the city/state will choose a contractor on lowest price, not quality of work. It's possible that those in charge don't even know about the problems with the roads. I know that here at Cook Coggin we have inspectors that go out and, well, inspect what the contractors do with our plans and if it's not right they have to fix it. In fact we're currently in a lawsuit with the contractor that did Fairpark for shoddy work... though I don't know the details about that.

[King Rat]

I understand that contractors did the work but doesn't the DOT inspect such things before accepting it? For example, Cook Coggin fills that need for the city of Tupelo, if I understand it correctly. Certainly the state has a similiar arrangement.

[Crimson]

I have no idea, Rat. We only inspect our own jobs. If our engineers sign off on something it's going to be right or the contractor is going to do it until it is right. I think that's even a clause in our engineering contracts. There are other companies that have done roadway designs for the city but I don't know if they have inspecter's like we do.

As far as the state goes... Again, I have no idea. Best thing to do would probably be to call MDOT and tell them how crappy that road is. They likely already know but the more complaints they get the sooner it'll likely be fixed.