Clinton sidewalk project advances on East College Street

Clinton has approved a low bid for a new sidewalk along a specific section of East College Street, moving the project forward while required Mississippi Department of Transportation review and formal authorization to proceed remain outstanding.

Sidewalk planned near Mississippi College

The project is in Clinton, Hinds County, and covers approximately 2,000 feet on the south side of East College Street. The route is planned from near the eastern drive or eastern edge of Mississippi College toward Mount Salus Drive and near Fairmont Street. The concrete sidewalk is planned to be about eight feet wide.

The City of Clinton’s June 16, 2026 agenda identifies Simmons Erosion Control, Inc. of Lake as the lowest and best bidder at $328,846.85. The agenda also calls for the city to request MDOT concurrence before awarding the work and authorizes the mayor to execute project documents, including the contract.

Bid acceptance is not the final construction authorization

The city’s action accepted the bid for the East College Street Sidewalk Improvements project, requested MDOT concurrence and authorized the mayor to complete required documents. Because the project uses federal-aid transportation funding, the city’s action still must move through the required state review process.

As of August 4, 2026, the available records do not independently confirm that final MDOT concurrence or a contractor notice to proceed has been completed. The project should therefore be described as advancing toward construction, not as work already underway or fully authorized.

Federal funding covers most of the project

The East College Street sidewalk is listed in the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District’s 2025–2028 Transportation Improvement Program as a 2026 Transportation Alternatives project administered through MDOT.

The regional transportation program lists $426,000 in total project funding. It identifies an 80% federal share of $426,000 and a 20% local share of $106,500. The $426,000 figure is the project’s total Transportation Alternatives funding allocation in the program, not a $426,000 city expenditure.

Ramp and handrails are part of the design

The planned work includes a ramp to replace steps near the Mississippi College Arts Complex. It also calls for handrails along a steep connection. Those features are intended to improve access for pedestrians, including people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

For nearby residents, students, employees and visitors, the project would create a wider pedestrian connection along this specific section of East College Street. Construction could bring temporary activity near the route, although the available sources do not establish road closures or traffic restrictions.

Late-August start was an expectation

The Clinton Courier reported July 19 that construction could begin in late August or early September. The report said the contractor would have 31 working days to build the sidewalk once work begins, but that schedule remains an expectation rather than a guaranteed start date because state concurrence and the formal notice-to-proceed process are still important steps.

Sources

• City of Clinton June 16, 2026 agenda
• The Clinton Courier: Bid approved for sidewalk project
• CMPDD 2025–2028 Transportation Improvement Program
• MDOT project advertisement