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MDOT projects underway in Southwest Mississippi to improve infrastructure
MCCOMB, MISS.–The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced the following update on major infrastructure improvement projects in Southwest Mississippi.
“Several critical District 7 projects are underway that are designed to improve safety, efficiency and mobility throughout this region,” said Commissioner Tom King. “MDOT urges the public to be mindful of highway construction and maintenance personnel who are actively working on these important roadway projects.”
Blasting operations complete on Mississippi River Bridge
All sandblasting operations and structural steel priming work is complete on the westbound U.S. Highway 84 bridge over the Mississippi River in Natchez. Crews are applying intermediate and finish coatings, replacing rivets and making room for the structural contractor to begin work on the pin and link replacement portion of the project. The structural contractor is currently installing temporary scaffolding on several pin and link locations.
“The project is slightly ahead of schedule at this time,” King said. “Once complete, this project will not only extend the lifespan of the bridge for several decades, but also stimulate economic growth and community development throughout Natchez and Adams County.”
Work to install a temporary apparatus for load transfers will being in the coming weeks. By the end of the year, fabricators will produce new pins and links for the project. MDOT anticipates the first pin and link replacement to occur in early 2018. The westbound bridge is on schedule to open in summer 2018. All work is expected to be complete by spring 2019.
“Motorists are reminded to be on high alert for roadside crews and pay close attention to all posted signage along this stretch of U.S. Highway 84 in Natchez,” King said. “We greatly appreciate the patience of the traveling public throughout the duration of this project and look forward to completing the project as soon as possible.”
U.S. Highway 49 improvements progress in Covington County
Upgrades on the U.S. Highway 49 and Kola Road intersection are complete in Covington County. The intersection is signalized and functioning. South of Collins, crews are continuing to repair concrete punch outs.
Motorists should expect periodic lane closures as crews continue constructing retaining walls. Earth work is underway in the medians between Mount Olive and Collins. Clearing operations are complete while earth work is being completed along the median between Mount Olive and Collins.
The project is on track to be completed in spring 2019. Motorists should remain alert for roadside workers, concrete barriers and periodic lane closures for the duration of the project.
I-55 rehabilitation continues in Pike County
The pavement rehabilitation of approximately 12 miles of I-55 from Exit 8 to Exit 20 in Summit remains underway as crews continue building the median and rubblization efforts throughout the project. Rubblization is a technique that saves time and construction costs by reducing existing concrete into rubble at that location opposed to hauling it to another location.
Near Fernwood, box culverts are being built in the median. In Summit, on the north end of the project, crews are continuing punch out repairs on the northbound side of I-55. Weather permitting, the project remains on track to be completed by fall 2018.
Interchange improvements at Veterans Boulevard/State Route 570 (Exit 18) included within the project are complete. Asphalt has been placed, signals are operational and striping work is complete. The only remaining work is final cleanup and inspection.
Work complete on several projects in Southwest Mississippi
In Franklin County, bank stabilization of State Route 33 at the Homochitto River Bridge is underway. Revetment efforts are complete.
In Wilkinson County, an overlay of U.S. Highway 61 from State Route 563 north for nearly seven miles is complete.
Slide repair efforts along U.S. Highway 61 in Adams County is complete.
“As crews continue work on these projects and look ahead to future improvements, we remind motorists to always be aware of roadside workers when traveling through work zones,” King said. “Remember to drive slow in active work zones and to never, ever drive distracted.”
Work zones may present unfamiliar traffic patterns. For more information on how to safely navigate a highway work zone, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.
Stay updated on these construction projects and others across Southwest Mississippi by visiting www.MDOTtraffic.com, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app, dial 511 in Mississippi and follow @MississippiDOT on Twitter and Facebook.
Pictured: Upgrades to the U.S. Highway 49 and Kola Road intersection are complete. Stay updated on live travel information at www.MDOTtraffic.com, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app or dial 511 in Mississippi.
