When used in this chapter and for the purposes of Sections 65-1-1 through 65-1-21, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context otherwise requires:
“Department” means the Mississippi Department of Transportation. Whenever the term “Mississippi State Highway Department,” or the word “department” meaning the Mississippi State Highway Department, appears in the laws of the State of Mississippi, it shall mean the “Mississippi Department of Transportation.”
“Office” means an administrative subdivision of the department.
“Bureau” means an administrative subdivision of an office.
“Commission” means the Mississippi Transportation Commission. Whenever the term “Mississippi State Highway Commission,” or the word “commission” meaning the Mississippi State Highway Commission, appears in the laws of the State of Mississippi, it shall mean the Mississippi Transportation Commission.
“Executive Director” means the chief administrative officer of the department. Whenever the term “director,” meaning the Chief Administrative Officer of the State Highway Department, appears in the laws of the State of Mississippi, it shall mean the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation.
“Director” means the chief officer of an office.
“Administrator” means the chief officer of a bureau.
“Highway” or “road” includes rights-of-way, bridge and drainage structures, signs, guardrails and other structures made in connection with such highway or road.
“Construction” includes reconstruction.
“Maintenance” means the constant maintenance and repair to preserve a smooth surfaced highway.
“Pave” means to construct with a surface of either high-type or intermediate-type pavement.