TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — Tupelo’s newest road is open to the public and will help with traffic to the city’s new Target store.

Tupelo city leaders cut the ribbon on Woodford Way Friday morning.

The new access road begins right next to Target, goes behind Sam’s and Walmart and ends on Barnes Crossing Road, down the road from Zaxbys.

The new Target store opened to the public on Tuesday, and visitors could only enter and exit one way, just off North Gloster Street. Now, there are two ways to exit.

City leaders said it’s about more than just easing congestion. It’s about moving Tupelo’s economy forward.

Mayor Todd Jordan said the economic impact is already being felt.

He said property values in the area have increased with Target’s arrival, and the road project is setting the stage for even more development.

And that’s the bigger picture here. City leaders hope this new access will make surrounding property more attractive to future businesses.