MDOT projects progress across central Mississippi

Commissioner Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District, has announced updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects across central Mississippi. 

U.S. Highway 49 traffic switched to newly completed lanes as remaining construction progresses in Rankin County

Last weekend, crews placed both north and southbound U.S. Highway 49 traffic onto the newly completed inside lanes from the Florence crossover to the end of the project limits. Motorists may encounter uneven pavement and are advised to proceed through the project with caution.

Crews have also closed east and westbound traffic of Old U.S. Highway 49 at its intersection with U.S. 49 in Rankin County for resurfacing operations.

“This work is the final piece of high-priority construction for this project,” said Simmons. “During this temporary closure, drivers are advised to plan an alternate route and asked to drive carefully as crews work to safely complete this critical infrastructure improvement project.”

Remaining work, including paving, signal and striping operations, is on track to be completed this summer. Once complete, there will be three travel lanes and a shoulder in each direction. The $253 million project was awarded to W.G. Yates & Sons Construction, of Philadelphia.

Interstate 20 bridge replacement nears completion in Jackson

Another massive construction project nearing completion is the Interstate 20 bridge replacement project between Terry Road and Gallatin Street in Jackson. Remaining construction is underway on the I-20 eastbound bridge that spans U.S. Highway 51, Interstate 55 south and the Canadian National / Illinois Central Railroad.

Crews have poured concrete for several structures, including a median barrier wall along I-20 westbound, concrete slope paving at the new bridge’s abutment and paved ditches. Contractors are also installing roadway lighting and Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) devices throughout Hinds and Rankin counties.

“I commend MDOT’s bridge inspection program and our inspectors for all they do. Their findings further ensure the safety of the traveling public and freight traffic throughout the I-20 and I-55 corridors,” said Simmons. “Once complete, drivers in the area will experience safer travel conditions that will last for many years to come.”

The massive bridge replacement project began in March 2020. An average of 121,000 vehicles from I-20 eastbound and I-55 northbound travel this area daily. The $42.2 million project was awarded to Key Constructors, LLC, of Madison. Work remains on track to be completed this summer.  

State Route 19 expansion project underway in Neshoba County

A project is underway to expand State Route 19 from two to four lanes from Tucker to Philadelphia. Work underway in this massive project includes clearing and grubbing, the removal of topsoil, installation of erosion control items, excess excavation, box bridge construction, pipe installation and sand blanket installation.

Traffic has steadily increased along the SR 19 corridor. Since 2017, the average annual daily traffic along this stretch of roadway has increased from 5,600 to 6,600, and is still rising. In addition to expanding to four lanes, the new grading will offer smoother riding conditions, showing significant progress throughout the area.

“This project will greatly improve safety and travel efficiency on this heavily traveled SR 19 corridor for both local and commercial traffic, along with those traveling from Meridian to Philadelphia,” said Simmons. “Local traffic, school traffic, commuters and commercial traffic throughout the area will all benefit from this project once complete.”

Several local roads will be realigned to tie into the new four lane roadway, making it a safer and more convenient travel experience. The $36 million contract was awarded to W.G. Yates and Sons Construction. Work is anticipated to be completed fall 2023.  

Lottery funded overlay underway on U.S. 49 from Interstate 220 to the Madison County line

A project is underway that will provide improvements on U.S. 49 from 0.5 miles north of Interstate 220 to the Madison County line. This includes repairing failed concrete pavement joints, repairing asphalt failures and the mill and overlay of all mainline lanes and shoulders.

Milling and paving operations are underway. APAC-Mississippi, Inc., of Jackson, was awarded the $8 million contract. The project is currently ahead of schedule and expected to be completed this spring.

Slide repair underway near I-20 eastbound in Jackson

A project to repair a slide on the outside slope of the eastbound lanes of I-20 on the southwest quadrant interchange with Ellis Avenue is underway. Work underway includes installation of construction signage, removal of excess material and removal of guardrail.

The $853,000 contract was awarded to G. Rayborn Contracting, LLC, of Natchez. Work is estimated to be completed this spring.

State Route 25 improvements underway in Rankin County

A project is underway to provide improvements to State Route 25 from State Route 471 to State Route 43 in Rankin County. Work includes spot-leveling to correct cross slopes and curve elevation, repairing failed areas to full depth and milling and overlaying all lanes and shoulders.

APAC-Mississippi, Inc., was awarded the $10 million contract. Work is expected to be completed by the fall.

State Route 487 bridge replacements continue in Leake County

A project calling for the replacement of three bridges on State Route 487 between Tuscola and State Route 35 in Leake County remains underway. All decks and slabs have been poured and grinding corrections are underway. A crushed stone base layer is being graded and compacted on the north end of the project.

Clearing and grubbing operations are complete. Roadway construction, driveway relocation efforts and shoulder widening construction is dependent on weather conditions.

The $9.6 million project was awarded to L&A Contracting Company, of Hattiesburg. Work is expected to be completed by summer 2022.

Interstate 59/20 improvements begin in Lauderdale County

Last month, crews kicked off a design-build project that provides for the widening of the Interstate 59/20 bridges over State Route 19/39 and the bridge over 65^th Avenue, the removal of the bridges over Knight Parker Road and upgrade of the roadway lighting system along the I-59/20 corridor through the City of Meridian.

“We understand how critical these improvements are to Meridian and Lauderdale County. The design-build aspect of the project expedites the ability to get the design done as soon as possible,” said Simmons.  “Each part of this project will further enhance safety and efficiency for motorists and commercial traffic in Meridian.”

The $24.4 million design-build project was awarded to Key Construction Company with an anticipated completion date of summer 2023.

Highway work zones are meant to protect the traveling public and the highway workers on the side of the road. Highway work zones can be found throughout the state and often present unfamiliar traffic conditions. Examples of common work zones found on Mississippi highways and a complete list of tips can be found at GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.