OLIVE BRANCH, MS (abc24.com) -- Two states, two different governments, both with one major problem: roads.
Shelby County and Olive Branch are crossing jurisdictional lines, working together on a street that's important to both.
Drivers on State Line Road know all too well the street's a mess of potholes, patches and problems.
"I just try to avoid the whole thing and just go down Hacks Cross," says Olive Branch resident Ritchie Hays.
Close to a mile of State Line Road is in bad shape.
"We have jurisdictional issues of, 'How do you fix it?'" says Olive Branch Mayor Sam Rikard. "With who's money?"
That's because the road literally marks the state line. Homes on one side are in Tennessee. The ones on the other are in Mississippi. That means Shelby County is responsible for one part of State Line Road, Olive Branch the other.
"The problem gets to, when is the project a priority to both governments at the same time?" Rikard tells abc24.com.
It looks like that time is now. The two engineering departments are meeting this week to come up with a plan.
"It appears Shelby County is willing to take the lead on the overlay," Rikard says. "And we will pay our share."
A total cost of about $150,000 will be split between the two.
"It's the way it should be," Rikard says. "Governments working together to find a solution to problems. It should be a benefit to a lot of people."
Work is set to start in the spring, welcome news for drivers used to patches and temporary fixes.
"I'm ready for spring now," Hays laughs. "Ready for it now to get it done."
"I'm looking forward to it," says Corie Beavers, who lives near the Shelby County line. "A smooth ride and a safe way home for wherever you need to go."
