JACKSON, MISS., Wednesday, October 19, 2011—The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Enforcement is receiving requests for permits to transport very large equipment and materials to the Kemper County power plant. Many of these loads will use the entire highway width and require crews to move the utility lines. Loads will be scheduled intermittently for the next 24 months.

Central District Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall stated, “The Kemper County power plant is a major project which will greatly impact economic development in the region. We at the Mississippi Department of Transportation are committed to balancing the need for movement of the equipment with the safety and convenience of the public.”

MDOT Interim Executive Director Melinda McGrath stated, “Many of these transports will be required to move at night reducing the inconvenience.” MDOT is coordinating the moves with the Kemper County Sheriff’s Department and the Dekalb Police Department. The dates, times and routes of the moves will be posted at www.gomdot.com and the Kemper County Sheriff’s Office website at http://www.kempercountysheriff.com/.

MDOT is urging the public to be aware of the large loads and to be patient while traveling through the area.

For the most up-to-date information in your area, please visit www.MSTraffic.com and sign up for your traffic alerts. Also, visit http://www.mstraffic.com/mobile to get the latest traffic information from MSTraffic.com on your mobile device. MDOT advises the public to pull off the road to a safe location if you need to check the MSTraffic.com website while driving. MDOT’s number one concern is the safety of the traveling public. For more information, contact the MDOT Public Affairs Division at 601-359-7074.