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MDOT projects make headway in southwest Mississippi
MCCOMB, MISS. – Commissioner Charles Busby, Southern Transportation District, has announced updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects in southwest Mississippi.
“As we continue to make progress on these critical infrastructure projects, we’re not just upgrading roads and bridges: we’re enhancing safety and strengthening connectivity in communities large and small,” said Busby. “These investments will greatly improve travel conditions for commuter and commercial traffic alike.”
Major resurfacing project on I-55 underway in Pike County
Work continues on a large infrastructure project in Pike County to resurface five miles of I-55 from State Route 24 to U.S. 98, construct two roundabouts on U.S. 98 at the I-55 interchange and raise four bridges over I-55, including Delaware Ave., Park Ave., Enterprise Rd. and Robb St. The project is expected to increase interstate traffic safety and optimize traffic flow at the U.S. 98 interchange.
The Delaware Ave. and the Park Ave. overpasses have been raised, and the Enterprise Rd. overpass was recently closed to traffic in order to raise the bridge. Clearing and drainage work is ongoing. Roundabout construction is underway at the U.S. 98 interchange at Summit, and crews are forming curbs on the eastern roundabout.
The nearly $76 million project was awarded to Barriere Construction of Laplace, La. and should wrap up in 2027.
Bridge replacement on U.S. 98 makes progress in Marion County
Both eastbound and westbound bridges over the Pearl River are being replaced as part of a project on U.S. 98 in Marion County. The project also includes bank stabilization efforts to help mitigate erosion and address scour issues. The eastbound bridge is being replaced first, and traffic has been shifted to the westbound bridge in a head-to-head configuration while construction is underway. Crews are pouring caps and installing drill shafts. This month, steel beam installation on the eastbound bridge will begin. On the riverbank, rip-rap has been placed.
The $57.7 million project was awarded to T.L. Wallace of Columbia and is expected to be completed in 2027.
Bridge replacement on State Route 149 moves forward in Simpson County
The contractor has begun Phase 2 of a project to replace a total of four bridges on State Route 149 between State Route 13 and U.S. 49 in Simpson County. Phase 1 called for the replacement of the Sellers Creek bridge, the Dabbs Creek bridge and the Dabbs Creek relief box bridge. All three bridges are now open to traffic.
Phase 2 of the project calls for the replacement of the Strong River bridge, which closed to traffic in September. Work has resumed at the site following the tragic collapse of a portion of the structure which resulted in the deaths of three workers. An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation is ongoing. Crews are performing earthwork and driving piling for the foundation of the new bridge structure.
This $25 million contract was awarded to T.L. Wallace. Phase I of the project is expected to wrap up in 2025, and Phase 2 is estimated to be complete by 2026.
Bridge replacement on U.S. 98 continues in Franklin County
An aging truss bridge on U.S. 98 over the Homochitto River is being replaced with a modern post-tension concrete bridge in Franklin County as part of a $25.7 million project.
All drill shafts have been installed, and crews are forming and pouring caps. Concrete beams will begin installation this month. U.S. 98 is closed between State Route 556 and Berrytown Rd. while construction is ongoing.
This $25.7 million contract was awarded to Key, LLC of Madison and is expected to be completed in summer 2026.
Intersection improvement project ongoing at State Route 28 and 37 in Smith County
A project is ongoing in Smith County to implement a traditional intersection with a traffic signal at the intersection of State Route 28 and State Route 37 in Taylorsville. The contractor is placing new drainage pipe along SR 37, and crews continue to pour curb, gutter, concrete islands and inlets.
The $5.5 million project was awarded to Chris Albritton Construction of Laurel and should be complete in 2025.
Overlay and roundabout project underway on State Route 27 in Lawrence County
In Lawrence County, a project is underway to construct a roundabout at the intersection of State Route 27 and Thomas Jolly Dr. and overlay 8 miles of SR 27 from Dewey Ballard Rd. to just north of U.S. 84. Roundabout construction is partially complete, and much of the overlay is complete south of Thomas Jolly Dr.
The $5.3 million project was awarded to Walters Construction of Laurel and is expected to be complete this spring.
Bridge replacement project ongoing on State Route 184 in Jefferson Davis County
Work continues on a $4.5 million bridge replacement project on State Route 184 over White Sand Creek in Jefferson Davis County. Crews recently completed pouring the bridge deck and will soon begin constructing bridge rail and guardrail.
The project was awarded to N.L. Carson Construction of Carthage and is expected to wrap up in 2025.
Overlay on State Route 43 in Marion County
A project has begun in Marion County to overlay 12 miles of State Route 43 from the Pearl River County line to State Route 13. The contractor has begun mainline paving and placing shoulder material.
The $4.1 million project was awarded to Southern Paving of Foxworth and is anticipated to be complete this summer.
Overlay on State Route 531 in Smith County
A $2.2 million project is underway to overlay State Route 531 in Smith County from State Route 28 to County Road 99. Mainline paving is complete, and crews are now paving local roads.
The project was awarded to APAC and is expected to wrap up this summer.
Work zone safety
Highway work zones are meant to protect the traveling public and workers on the side of the road. Work zones present new traffic patterns and configurations that may be unfamiliar to motorists. For information about how to navigate highway work zones safely, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.
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