The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 11/6/8
Once thought to be improbable, building a tunnel has re-emerged as the top option for a heavily traveled road near Tupelo Regional Airport.
Earlier this year, airport officials said West Jackson Street Extended needed to be moved because it was in the way of a proposed runway extension project.
The location of the road also was thought to be in violation of federal rules.
Residents and businesses in the area balked at talk of having to close the busy interchange – even temporarily – and moving it farther north.
Building a tunnel was a much-discussed option, but initially, airport officials thought the Federal Aviation Administration nixed the idea because of safety and security concerns. Costs for building a tunnel, estimated to be about $10 million, also were prohibitive.
