Commissioner Willie Simmons, Chairman of the Mississippi Transportation Commission, has announced updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects across central Mississippi.
“I am proud to report that crews have made steady progress on these projects and are even in the process of wrapping up several of them,” said Commissioner Simmons. “That said, more major work is coming. As work continues, it is imperative that we all stay vigilant driving in and around these work zones. Let’s cut out distracted driving, which is a major issue we face on our roadways. Slow down, eliminate these distractions like cell phones, and stay alert for all roadside personnel working to improve our state’s infrastructure.”
I-20/I-55 freight corridor improvement project coming in Hinds and Rankin County
A massive, large-scale infrastructure improvement project on the I-20/I-55 freight corridor, also known as “The Big Fix,” is set to begin this fall in Hinds and Rankin County. The project includes I-20 from Wiggins Rd. to just east of the Pearson Rd./SR 468 interchange, I-55 from McDowell Rd. to north of the High St. interchange (including cross streets and ramps), I-220 from I-20 to the Lynch St. bridge, U.S. 51 from I-55 to the end of state maintenance north of U.S. 80.
The project calls for the rehabilitation and modernization of 36 bridges to strengthen and extend their life spans, and the resurfacing and repair of 32 interstate miles, including 16 in each direction totaling 121 lane miles overall, providing a smoother and safer driving experience. Other work includes the installation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology that will further provide motorists with real-time travel information and traffic updates.
The project is on track to begin this fall and will last for approximately two and a half years. MDOT has prioritized minimizing traffic inconvenience as much as possible. For the remainder of this year, the traffic impact will be minimal as most work will be performed via lane closures at night and on weekends when possible. Plans call for two 45-day FULL interstate shutdowns on I-20, one in each direction. The first is scheduled to take place on I-20 westbound in summer 2027. The second is scheduled on I-20 eastbound during summer 2028.
“This project shows that MDOT is not afraid of a challenge. We are extending the lives of our existing structures by 40 years and getting use out of the investment we made as a state over 60 years ago when these roads and bridges were built,” said Commissioner Simmons. “This level of construction work will be an inconvenience, but the long-term benefits, from safety and efficiency to economic development throughout the heart of Jackson, will be worth it tenfold for not only us, but many generations.”
MDOT and the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) Yates-Key, A Joint Venture, lead a seven-party project development team spanning federal oversight, owner advisory, design and independent cost and inspection roles. The total anticipated cost of the project is approximately $400 million. The public is encouraged to stay looped in on The Big Fix progress, lane closures and travel impacts at GoMDOT.com/TheBigFix.
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Bridge replacements on U.S. 51 in Madison County and U.S. 80 in Newton and Lauderdale CountyAnother large-scale project that is underway calls for the replacement of 13 bridges on U.S. 80 in Newton and Lauderdale counties and U.S. 51 in Madison County.
The first portion of the project is on U.S. 80 in Newton County and provides for the replacement of Bridge Nos. 110.8, 111.7, 114.8 and 121.4. All four sites have been cleared and the box culvert is complete. Bridge 111.7 has been removed and all piles driven. Crews have removed Bridge 110.8 and driven all the piling. Bridge 121.4 is scheduled to be open this month.
The second portion of the project provides the replacement of Bridge Nos. 122.5, 123.1, 123.3 and 123.5 on U.S. 80 in Newton and Lauderdale County. All four sites have been cleared. All the pile have been driven at 122.5. The Contractor is in the process of removing 123.3. U.S. 80 remains closed approximately one mile east of Adams St. in Chunky. Traffic control and detour signage is in place to direct traffic around the closure via I-20.
The third portion of the project provides the replacement of Bridge Nos. 124.7, 126.6, 130.0, 130.1 and 130.4 on U.S. 51 in Madison County. Each site has been cleared. Work is underway on the two closed U.S. 51 bridges between Tithelo Rd. and Way Rd. Crews have completed deck pours on Bridge C and Bridge D. Remaining work includes bridge railing and roadway items at these locations. Crews anticipate opening the closed bridges and closing 124.7 (located between McBride Road and Branscomb Road) later this year.
The prime contractor of the nearly $88 million project is Cotton Creek Transport, Inc. of Laurel. The scheduled completion date for all work is fall 2028.
State Route 19 expansion in Neshoba County
The massive expansion of State Route 19 from two to four lanes from House to Tucker in Neshoba County continues. Work includes the construction of nine bridges, two new northbound lanes, and the reconstruction of the existing SR 19 to serve as the two new southbound lanes.
Work underway includes hauling excess, borrow and unclassified materials; pouring bridge rails, sleeper slabs and approach slabs; and mixing soil cement on subgrade and base courses. Five bridges are complete and all box culverts have been installed.
The $97.4 million project was awarded to W.G. Yates & Son Construction Company of Philadelphia. Work remains on track to be completed by summer 2028.
I-55 bridge deck overlays in Jackson
A safety enhancement project is underway on the I-55 bridges just north of Fortification St. in Jackson that includes the removal and replacement of High Friction Surface Treatment (HSFT). The overlay work will help increase the amount of friction on each bridge. This increased friction on the bridge decks will help to reduce vehicles skidding, ultimately improving safety.
The existing HSFT has been milled off. Crews are working to replace damaged pipe railing and will be performing bridge deck repairs in preparation for the deck overlays on both I-55 bridges.
Drivers should expect alternate lane closures in either direction of I-55 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. overnight weekly through the end of September. The $1.4 million project was awarded to Southern Road & Bridge, LLC.
“These overlays will give the public a safer riding surface and help prevent sliding,” said Commissioner Simmons. “Please slow down and pay attention driving through here as work continues.”
I-20 overlay in Rankin County
The removal and replacement of 13 miles of surface on I-20 from the East Brandon Interchange to the Scott County line is making headway. The project included fog sealing six miles of I-20 from the Pearson Rd. interchange to the Crossgates Blvd. interchange.
Work includes milling and overlaying the existing Open-Grade Friction Course (OGFC) pavement, repairing failed areas in the underlying concrete pavement, joint/crack sealing, clearing trees in the right of way, clearing drainage structures and upgrading guardrail.
All clearing is complete for the exception of tree removal, and crews have completed all failed area repairs. Mainline paving efforts are complete, and paving crews are nearing completion of resurfacing all interchange ramps.
The $11.2 million project is being handled by APAC-MS, Inc. The project has a completion date of fall 2026.
I-55 mill and overlay in Hinds County
Work continues to mill and overlay seven miles of I-55 from Byram to McDowell Rd. in Hinds County. The primary scope of work includes removal of the OGFC and replacing it with stone matrix asphalt (SMA). Additional work includes joint and crack sealing, roadway leveling, replacement of impact attenuators and fog sealing the existing shoulder.
Crews have completed the failed area repair, SMA testing and all mainline paving. Ramps are currently being paved.
The $8.7 million project was awarded to Dickerson & Bowen, Inc. of Brookhaven. Remaining work is expected to wrap up by the fall.
I-20 OGFC replacement in Rankin County
A project is now underway to remove and replace 5.3 miles of OGFC on I-20 from State Route 18 at Crossgates Blvd. to U.S. 80 in east Brandon. The scope of work includes failed area repair, tree clearing, debris removal, replacement of fencing, joint and crack sealing, fog sealing the existing paved shoulders, and guardrail upgrades.
All construction signs have been installed, and crews have completed failed area repairs. Clearing operations continue. Milling and paving operations are now underway.
The $6.1 million contract was awarded to APAC-MS. Plans call for work to be completed next spring.
Roundabout construction at State Route 15/16 interchange in Neshoba County
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Roundabout construction at the intersection of State Route 15 and State Route 16 in Philadelphia is making headway. The removal and replacement of the Weyerhaeuser St. and Lakeside Dr. bridges were completed in Phase I.
All Phase I and II work, which includes construction of the roundabout, is complete. Work in progress includes placement of the first lift of asphalt and curb and gutter work included in Phase III. MDOT will update the public when the traffic switch to the new roundabout takes place.
The nearly $9 million project was awarded to Cook & Son, LLC of Smithville. Work remains on track to be completed spring 2027.
I-20 mill and overlay in Hinds County
A mill and overlay of six miles of I-20 from just west of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Clinton to State Route 18 is nearing completion. Work includes failed area repair, guardrail upgrades, traffic sign upgrades and tree clearing.
Paving operations are complete. Crews are currently working on fog sealing and clipping shoulders to grade.
Remaining work is on track to wrap up by the fall. The $8.6 million project was awarded to APAC-MS.
ITS installation on I-59/20 in Meridian
A project to install Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) along I-59/20 from 1.5 miles south of I-20, I-20 from two miles west of I-59 to I-59, I-59/20 to 1.3 miles northeast of U.S. 45 and one-mile northeast of the weigh station, continues in Lauderdale County.
The components being installed include cameras to monitor traffic and dynamic message signs to update and inform drivers. All Digital Message Boards (DMS) and cabinets have been installed. Crews are currently working on hanging traffic cameras and installing radio.
The $3.7 million contract was awarded to R&W Electric Company of Collinsville. Remaining work is on track to wrap up this fall.
SR 854 mill and overlay in Lauderdale County
A project to mill, scrub seal and overlay 3.4 miles of State Route 854 from State Route 39 to the Naval Air Station in Lauderdale Count is underway. The scope of work includes repairing failed areas, guardrail upgrades, debris removal from drainage channels and sign upgrades.
Mainline paving operations are complete. Remaining work includes paved ditch repair and permanent striping.
The $3.1 million project was awarded to APAC-MS. Remaining work will be completed by the fall.
State Route 25 mill and overlay in Leake County
A mill and overlay of 10 miles of State Route 25 from Renfroe to the Attala County line is underway. Work includes failed area repair, guardrail upgrades, traffic signal upgrades, resealing of bridge joints and tree removal.
Failed area repairs and mainline paving operations are complete. Remaining work is on track to wrap up this fall. The $10.4 million contract was awarded to Superior Asphalt, Inc. of Byram.
SR 487 mill and overlay in Leake County
A mill and overlay of three miles of State Route 487 from east of the Tuscolameta Big Canal to State Route 35 is underway. The scope of work includes failed area repairs and tree removal.
Clearing and mulching operations, failed area repairs and all paving operations are complete. Pavement markings are scheduled to be placed next week ahead of final completion.
The $2.2 million project was awarded to APAC-MS. Work is on track to wrap up in the coming weeks.
U.S. 49 pavement restoration and ITS installation in Madison County
A project that includes pavement restoration of U.S. 49 from the Hinds County line to the Yazoo County line in Madison County is now underway. The project includes the installation of ITS components along U.S. 49 from Northside Dr. to 500 feet north of the Madison County line.
The pavement restoration work includes clearing of trees from right of way, failed area repair, guardrail upgrades, cross drain repairs, bridge joint sealing and repairs, and epoxy repairs on bridges.
The $18.6 million contract was awarded to APAC-MS. Plans call for work to be completed next summer.
State Route 14 bridge replacement in Noxubee County
A bridge replacement project on State Route 14 over Hashuqua Creek in Noxubee County is making headway.
All Phase I work is complete, which included construction of the detour road and bridge. Phase II completed work includes bridge substructure and bridge deck construction. Work in progress includes constructing the new roadway approaches for the new mainline bridge.
The $7.4 million project was awarded to Cotton Creek Transport, Inc. Remaining work is on track to wrap up this fall.
State Route 145 bridge repair in Noxubee County
A bridge repair project on State Route 145 over the Noxubee River relief in Noxubee County is complete. Crews have reopened the bridge.
Work included painting, asphalt overlay removal from the bridge deck, joint repairs and resealing, installation of hybrid polymer concrete overlay, beam end repairs, epoxy repairs of spalled areas and installation of saddles.
The $1.3 million project was awarded to Hemphill Construction Company, Inc. of Florence.
I-20 mill and overlay in Newton County
A mill and overlay of seven miles of I-20 from 5.1 miles east of State Route 15 to 2.3 miles east of the Chunky River is complete in Newton County.
The $12.4 million contract was awarded to APAC-MS.
“Let’s work together to make Mississippi a great place to live and work,” said Commissioner Simmons. “We’ll do our part to wrap up these projects as quickly as possible, please do yours by slow down and ditching driving distractions, especially in the work zone.”
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.
For more information about these and other MDOT maintenance and construction projects, download the free MDOT Traffic mobile app, visit MDOTtraffic.com and like and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X.