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MCCOMB, MISS. – Commissioner Charles Busby, Southern Transportation District, has announced updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects in southwest Mississippi.
“Southwest Mississippi is getting a major infrastructure upgrade thanks to several significant projects currently under construction,” said Busby. “Bridge replacements around the region and the I-55 resurfacing project will not only make travel safer and more efficient for commuters, but this work will also make a positive difference for freight and marine traffic, which help drive our state’s economy.”
Major resurfacing project on I-55 making progress in Pike County
A large infrastructure project in Pike County is underway 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. overpass has been raised, and the Park Ave. overpass is currently closed to traffic while being raised. Excavation and drainage work is ongoing. Earthwork is underway at the U.S. 98 interchange at Summit, and traffic shifts can be expected at this location while roundabouts are under construction.
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 underway in Marion County
The eastbound and westbound bridges over the Pearl River are being replaced as part of a project on U.S. 98 in Marion County. Traffic has been shifted to the westbound bridge in a head-to-head configuration while the eastbound bridge is being replaced. Drill shaft foundations are being installed for the new eastbound bridge, and crews are driving piling and pouring caps. Bank stabilization efforts continue as crews have removed old steel jetty structures and are placing rip-rap to mitigate erosion and address scour issues.
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 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. The Seller’s Creek bridge is currently open to traffic. The two Dabbs Creek bridges are nearing completion and will be open to traffic in the near future when roadway and bridge striping is complete.
Phase 2 of the project calls for the replacement of the Strong River bridge, which closed to traffic in September. Tragically, while the contractor was in the process of demolishing the existing bridge, a portion of the structure collapsed, resulting in the deaths of three workers. The project is currently on hold until an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation can be completed.
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 underway 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.
Drill shaft installation continues, and crews are constructing forms to pour caps. 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 in Smith County is underway to implement a traditional intersection with a traffic signal at the intersection of State Route 28 and State Route 37 in Taylorsville. Drainage work is ongoing, and crews are pouring 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 ongoing, and crews are currently paving the mainline sections of SR 27.
The $5.3 million project was awarded to Walters Construction of Laurel and is expected to be complete this winter.
Bridge replacement project ongoing on State Route 184 in Jefferson Davis County
Work is underway on a $4.5 million bridge replacement project on State Route 184 over White Sand Creek in Jefferson Davis County. Bridge beams are in place, and crews are working on forming and pouring the bridge deck surface.
The project was awarded to N.L. Carson Construction of Carthage and is expected to wrap up in 2025.
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.
MDOT project website
Stay up to date on MDOT’s significant, active projects by visiting GoMDOT.com/Projects. The webpage provides up-to-date information on project timelines, progress and any potential road closures or detours that may be associated with the project.
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