I-20 design through Mississippi (Jackson, Meridian: designs, distance, cheaper)

[Need4Camaro]

I've been kind of wondering this. After you get east of Jackson, until the I-59 interchange, there are alot of sections with forested medians where the is widely divided and each side of the interstate zags through forestry for no apparent reason, although usually keeping the same general direction where as in Lousianna its just flat and straight. I was wondering if they intentionally did this to keep drivers more aware or attentful while driving or if it was plainly cheaper to design it this way.

[gvillesux]

most likely it was easier to go around a hill than to level it off evenly. many of the state's highways followed similar designs, the original 2 lane side of 82 from Greenwood to Winona is a classic example. the northern lanes(westbound) are like a roller coaster, while the east bound lanes that were added later to make it a 4 lane divided highway are fairly well leveled off and straightened out much more. i'm sure the interstate probably was originally a regular highway in much of its length across the state and thus followed that path when built.

[viverlibre]

Originally Posted by gvillesux

the original 2 lane side of 82 from Greenwood to Winona is a classic example. the northern lanes(westbound) are like a roller coaster, while the east bound lanes that were added later to make it a 4 lane divided highway are fairly well leveled off and straightened out much more.

Haha, truth to this, I travel that section often. I've always toyed with checking the difference in mileage each way, with the hills, the westbound lanes have to be a greater distance by a half-mile or so.

I55 from Jackson to Memphis has a lot of wooded medians too.

[An Einnseanair]

Most of the bends are to cross major roads or creeks/rivers at closer to 90° angles. Makes bridges much simpler.

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

Originally Posted by gvillesux

most likely it was easier to go around a hill than to level it off evenly. many of the state's highways followed similar designs, the original 2 lane side of 82 from Greenwood to Winona is a classic example. the northern lanes(westbound) are like a roller coaster, while the east bound lanes that were added later to make it a 4 lane divided highway are fairly well leveled off and straightened out much more. i'm sure the interstate probably was originally a regular highway in much of its length across the state and thus followed that path when built.

Highway 80 is on a different right-of-way than I-20 except for a few miles west of Meridian.