NATCHEZ &045; Natchez residents and those just passing through may see traffic become less congested if new Mississippi Department of Transportation plans are approved.

At an open forum at the convention center Thursday, MDOT representatives and ABMB Engineers Inc., informed the public about the proposed project for U.S. 61 at D’Evereaux Drive. The estimated $18 million project will include a two-lane flyaway ramp for southbound traffic and an extension to the frontage road with new signals. The plan calls for connecting U.S. 61 with U.S. 84 and U.S. 98 near Roxie.

The project also provides modifications to the existing intersection and lane configurations. To highlight the nearby Natchez Trace, lighting and landscaping will be added to the area.

The project has already attracted potential business. Joshua Beyer, Sembler Company development manager, said the company is in deals with Walgreens to build a store by the site. He said demographics and traffic were keys to the sites potential.

&uot;You’ve got heavy traffic on both of those two roads to support the store,&uot; Beyer said.

Beyer said he plans to begin construction of the new Walgreens by Jordan Auto Center in November.

Better accessibility was also a selling point for the design.

&uot;This frontage road is a good advantage, it makes it easier to get in (to the businesses) &045; compare to what you have now,&uot; MDOT roadway design representative Greg Williams said.

The plan provides a wider turn lane for trucks and retaining walls on U.S. 61.

&uot;It’ll make people traveling through Natchez feel better about coming through this route,&uot; Darrel Broome, ABMB district engineer, said.

There will be new signals, and connections to the frontage road will be improved, MDOT officials said.

&uot;Sometimes buying a little right-of-way is not that high of a price to pay for the safety of our citizens,&uot; MDOT right-of-way coordinator and Natchez resident Sharon Willis said.

For Receivable Solutions owner Maxine Brice, the prospect of improving traffic flow was a good idea.

&uot;I’m always thrilled to have new improvements that bring new business to our area,&uot; she said.

If approved, the project is scheduled to begin spring 2007.