MDOT urges drivers: Prepare for I-55 bridge work beginning October 15 in Jackson

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will soon begin a critical hydro-demolition project on the north and southbound I-55 bridges over the Pearl River in Jackson that will cause travel delays.

"Over time, the high volume of traffic has caused these bridge decks to deteriorate. That is why once the Mississippi State Fair wraps up, we're going to remove and replace the bridge decks on I-55 over the Pearl River in Jackson to extend the life of these bridges," said MDOT Executive Director Brad White.

"We want to inform local drivers that utilize this stretch of interstate regularly about these lane closures so they may begin planning alternate routes to avoid potential congestion."

The work will involve the hydro-demolition of the existing I-55 bridge decks over the Pearl River and will require two lanes to be shut down at a time, leaving two travel lanes open in each direction. Crews will begin by closing the inside lanes first before swapping to the outside lanes.

Although both directions of I-55 will remain passable, these lane closures will have a major impact on traffic. To limit congestion, especially during peak travel, MDOT advises motorists to utilize these alternate routes when possible:

• I-220 for I-55 through traffic

• SR 468 to SR 25

• SR 475 to SR 25

Construction activities are currently expected to begin the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 15, with traffic reduced to two lanes in each direction soon after. MDOT will inform the public of the closure dates once determined.

"We're grateful this work can be performed without a complete shutdown of I-55 in Jackson, but we understand this will still be an inconvenience. Please do your part by planning ahead, giving yourself some additional travel time and considering using any of the proposed alternate routes," said Mississippi Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons. "This is a great investment in Mississippi's highway system and will improve safety and connectivity on I-55 in Jackson. To those that travel this area, please slow down, stay alert for changing travel conditions and roadside crews."

Crews estimate the closures will be in place for the remainder of 2024, which will include hydro-demolition and new deck installation on the inside lanes in each direction before swapping to the outer lanes. Once work begins, message boards will be in place to alert drivers of the lane closures.

"This stretch of I-55 sees an average of 113,000 vehicles daily and is a heavily utilized corridor by both local and commercial traffic. During the closure period, travel lanes will essentially be reduced by 50 percent; so, if you can avoid traveling this stretch of I-55 and use any of the proposed alternate routes, please consider doing so," said White.

The $24.4 million contract was awarded to Key, LLC of Madison. Stay updated on this project at MDOTtraffic.com, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app, and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X.