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JACKSON, MISS. – 2025 marked one of the most significant years in recent memory for the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). In the 2025 session, a sweeping tax reform law passed the Mississippi Legislature, and with it came an increase in the gas tax, a primary source of funding for MDOT.
“Mississippi’s 2025 tax reform legislation signifies the first time we have really dealt with the funding model for our state infrastructure system since 1987,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “The recurring dollars resulting from this legislation provide MDOT with greater resources to preserve critical infrastructure, improve safety and ensure Mississippi’s transportation system continues to support economic growth and our citizens’ needs.”
Funding from the gas tax is expected to add millions to the agency’s budget. It will help offset rising costs and better equip the department to maintain and build upon the state’s investment in infrastructure.
Thanks to increased appropriations in recent years, major projects are underway in each region of the state to increase traffic capacity, make safety upgrades and modernize infrastructure.
One of the most significant of these projects kicked off in Tippah County this past August when officials broke ground on the “Ripley Bypass.” This $195 million project will widen and construct 10.5 miles of State Route 15 from Union County to Ripley and build a State Route 2 connector in Blue Mountain. It is anticipated to improve safety and spur economic growth.
One of biggest and most significant of these projects wrapped up this summer in the Mississippi Delta with the completion of the U.S. 82 Greenville Bypass. The $216 million project constructed nearly 16 miles of new four-lane highway from Leland to the Mississippi River Bridge, alleviating traffic and improving driving conditions throughout Washington County.
Further north in Union County, work continues on a major, $58 million capacity project on State Route 15 that will complete the four-lane connection from Pontotoc to New Albany. The expanded roadway will provide a much safer and economical route for travelers.
Also in North Mississippi, work is progressing on the replacement of four bridges on State Route 9 south of Calhoun City in Calhoun County. The modernized bridges will greatly enhance safety for motorists.
This year in the Jackson metro area, a critical bridge preservation project took place on the I-55 Pearl River bridges and I-20 flyover bridge. This $24.4 million project is nearing completion and is expected to extend the life of both bridges for many decades.
Further down I-55 in Pike County, a $76 million project is making headway to resurface five miles of interstate, raise four bridges and improve the U.S. 98 interchange. The project is anticipated to increase interstate safety and optimize traffic flow.
Near the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Harrison County, a $49 million capacity project to add two travel lanes to U.S. 49 is making major progress with the southbound side nearly complete. The additional lanes will alleviate congestion in a growing area north of I-10.
Many coastal residents relocated further north after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation 20 years ago. This year, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the storm, MDOT created a documentary that chronicles the restoration of infrastructure through the stories of those at the forefront of recovery efforts.
Also in 2025, MDOT scheduled 50 paving projects that are funded or partially funded using proceeds from the Mississippi Lottery.
With increased funding in recent years and a vast amount of projects underway, Mississippians can expect to see even more improvements to the state’s transportation system in 2026.
For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.
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Why does Hattiesburg not have a bypass around it. You and I both well know it is needed. There’s not an on and off ramps to the interstate at the Purple Heart bridge for access to South Hattiesburg. And I for one would like to know why is Hattiesburg left out and most projects end up north of interstate 20.