The Project
Highway 15 is a principal arterial route in Tippah County and plays a critical role in the regional transportation network. However, the current configuration through Blue Mountain offers limited access to surrounding areas. To address this issue, MDOT is proposing a new connection between the existing Highway 15 and the future alignment of Highway 15.
The goal of the Tippah SR2 Connector project is to improve local and regional mobility, enhance roadway safety, and support economic development by creating a more direct and efficient route. This new connection will provide residents of Blue Mountain with safer and more convenient access to nearby cities and the planned Highway 15 facility.
Value Engineering Study Summary and Benefits
A multidisciplinary Value Engineering (VE) team—including specialists in roadway design, structures, drainage/hydraulics, geotechnical/materials, traffic engineering, environmental analysis, QA/QC, and construction—conducted a VE study during the 90% design phase. The team offered both cost-effective and function-enhancing recommendations, with an emphasis on improving project quality and constructability.
Because the design was already in an advanced stage, the VE team also contributed numerous constructability review comments for consideration during final design development.
Key Recommended Value Proposals (Detailed in Section 2):
- SL-01: Modify the typical section to incorporate geogrid, reducing the need for removing unsuitable soils
- SL-03: Adjust the profile of SR2 to minimize unsuitable material removal
- PES-09: Use Fabriform as an alternative to riprap for erosion protection
Workshop Outcomes:
- 8 Value Proposals developed
- 25 Standalone Design Comments
- 9 Standalone Constructability Review Comments
These contributions will aid MDOT in refining the project’s design and ensuring cost-effective, durable, and safe transportation infrastructure that meets current and future demands.
Highway 15 is a principal arterial route in Tippah County and plays a critical role in the regional transportation network. However, the current configuration through Blue Mountain offers limited access to surrounding areas. To address this issue, MDOT is proposing a new connection between the existing Highway 15 and the future alignment of Highway 15.
The goal of the Tippah SR2 Connector project is to improve local and regional mobility, enhance roadway safety, and support economic development by creating a more direct and efficient route. This new connection will provide residents of Blue Mountain with safer and more convenient access to nearby cities and the planned Highway 15 facility.
Value Engineering Study Summary and Benefits
A multidisciplinary Value Engineering (VE) team—including specialists in roadway design, structures, drainage/hydraulics, geotechnical/materials, traffic engineering, environmental analysis, QA/QC, and construction—conducted a VE study during the 90% design phase. The team offered both cost-effective and function-enhancing recommendations, with an emphasis on improving project quality and constructability.
Because the design was already in an advanced stage, the VE team also contributed numerous constructability review comments for consideration during final design development.
Key Recommended Value Proposals (Detailed in Section 2):
- SL-01: Modify the typical section to incorporate geogrid, reducing the need for removing unsuitable soils
- SL-03: Adjust the profile of SR2 to minimize unsuitable material removal
- PES-09: Use Fabriform as an alternative to riprap for erosion protection
Workshop Outcomes:
- 8 Value Proposals developed
- 25 Standalone Design Comments
- 9 Standalone Constructability Review Comments
These contributions will aid MDOT in refining the project’s design and ensuring cost-effective, durable, and safe transportation infrastructure that meets current and future demands.
