Will link University and Commonwealth

The city of Oxford was awarded $2 million for the future University Avenue-Commonwealth Boulevard connector, announced Mayor Robyn Tannehill Monday.

Tannehill said the city was informed Friday that the funds were awarded in the FY 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill that was passed by the House and Senate. 

The bill will now go to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.

“The connection of Pegues Road at University Avenue to Commonwealth Boulevard has been a top transportation infrastructure priority for our community and will provide a much-needed additional ingress/egress from the Oxford Commons development, allowing residents to access University Avenue without having to travel on Highway 7 South,” Tannehill said in a statement.

The connecting road should also help traffic management in and around Oxford Commons, with residents on the east side of the city having a new way to Della Davidson and Oxford High School once the road is constructed.

The appropriations bill provides $98.931 billion in total discretionary funding to various housing and transportation projects across the nation.

However, Tannehill said the $2 million, while greatly appreciated, will not cover the entire cost of building the connecting road. “We have several other requests out there to complete the funding necessary to start design and construction,” she said.

Tannehill thanked Oxford’s senators, Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, for their support. “I, along with staff and aldermen, travel to (Washington) D.C. several times a year to discuss Oxford’s challenges as we continue to experience tremendous growth,” Tannehill said.

“Our federal delegation is always supportive and we appreciate their financial help as we continue to be the economic driver of north Mississippi.”