PICAYUNE — New lights are set to turn on June 16 along Highland Parkway as part of a Picayune safety project aimed at improving visibility near Highland Community Hospital.
The Highland Park Lighting Project will add 20 lights along the route to the hospital, a primary gateway for residents seeking medical care.
The light poles have been installed but will remain off until a public opening ceremony at 8:30 p.m. June 16.
Picayune Mayor Jim Luke announced the project in a letter posted May 22 on Facebook. He said city officials moved forward after recognizing the need for better visibility and peace of mind for residents.
“You couldn’t see your hand in front of you,” Luke said. “All you could see is the headlights of your car going down that area.”
The total cost is estimated at $700,000, spread over 20 years through a monthly payment plan. The plan includes two opportunities for renegotiation, which could adjust the total.
Luke said the cost is worthwhile if the project helps spur economic development.
“We’ve been meeting with real estate folks that say people are very interested,” Luke said. “I can tell you that it’s really expected to bring in a lot of new businesses to the area.”
Luke pointed to Rouses, the new police department and the upcoming HealthOne multipurpose medical facility as signs of the area’s growth. Rouses and the police department opened in 2024, while HealthOne is expected to open around March 2027.
