Commissioner Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District, has announced updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects across central Mississippi.
“Each of these projects show a vital investment into our infrastructure that will make our state a better place to live and work,” said Simmons. “I look forward to seeing these projects continue moving forward and ultimately increasing safety and mobility for all central Mississippi traffic.”
Progress continues at the State Route 18 bridge replacement in Rankin County
Crews continue to make significant progress on the State Route 18 bridge being replaced over Dabbs Creek in Rankin County. With the bridge deck built, crews will focus on pouring the rails, complete dirt work and finally, build the roadway to tie into the new bridge.
“Crews are making great progress on this new bridge and will work as quickly and efficiently as possible to finish remaining work,” said Simmons. “Motorists should continue to utilize State Route 43 and I-20 as a detour route around the closure for the remainder of the project. Residents, drivers and the business community can rest assured knowing they will soon have a safer, bigger and more reliable bridge to travel for a long, long time.”
The nearly $3 million project was awarded to St-Bil Grading, Inc. of Waterford. SR 18 is on track to reopen by the end of 2023 and the remainder of the project is scheduled to be completed spring 2024.
I-59/20 improvements wrap up in Lauderdale County
A design-build project through Meridian that involved widening the I-59/20 bridges over State Route 19/39 and 65th Ave., as well as removal of the bridges over Knight Parker Rd., has been completed. The project also upgraded lighting throughout Meridian along I-59/I-20.
“We appreciate Meridian-area drivers being patient and allowing our crews to get this design-build project completed so quickly,” said Simmons. “This project enhances safety and mobility for motorists and commercial traffic on a vital route through central Mississippi.”
The $24.4 million design-build project was awarded to Key Construction Company of Madison.
MDOT reworking construction plans for the West Rankin Parkway
MDOT is currently working to update construction plans for the West Rankin Parkway. The project calls for the construction of a divided four-lane highway between U.S. 80 in Pearl and State Route 468 in Flowood, including base construction, drainage installations, electrical installations and modifications to U.S. 80, SR 468 and Treetops Blvd. The new contract, once let, will include all the necessary repairs along with the original paving scope of work.
The West Rankin Parkway project began as a Local Public Agency (LPA) project years ago. MDOT’s involvement at that time was helping administer necessary federal funds towards the local project. Later, dispersive soil was found throughout the project, forcing crews to go back and perform more dirt work, changing the overall scope of work. That contract was terminated, which allows MDOT to re-bid a different contract that will include repairs to the roadbed and ultimately move forward to the paving phase and open State Route 477 for travel.
“In an effort to expedite what has been a problematic project, we have worked closely with the City of Pearl, the City of Flowood, the Mississippi Legislature and the Governor, who signed a bill that gives MDOT more flexibility and funds to get this project to construction,” said Simmons. “Thanks to all the players involved, we have added the project to MDOT’s three year plan and are moving forward with the planning.”
Officials expect plans to be complete in the spring of 2024 and anticipate letting the project later that summer.
State Route 19 expansion progress in Neshoba County
Progress continues on the 4.6-mile expansion of State Route 19 from two to four lanes between Tucker and Philadelphia in Neshoba County. The first phase of work included construction of the new northbound lanes, reworked side roads onto the west side of the existing SR 19 and construction of the new intersection at Tucker Elementary School.
Work in progress includes clearing and grubbing, removal of topsoil, installation of erosion control items, excavation, box bridge construction, pipe installation, and soil-cement and lime treatment of the subgrade. The subbase has been treated with soil-cement, and asphalt has been placed in several areas.
The second phase of work consists of rehabilitating portions of the existing SR 19 and reconstructing other areas that require new cross drains and box culverts. The third phase will place traffic in the four-lane configuration, place the final lift of asphalt and provide permanent striping.
The $36 million contract was awarded to W.G. Yates and Sons Construction of Philadelphia. The project is expected to wrap up in 2024.
Roundabout being planned for SR 15 and SR 16 intersection in Philadelphia
Next summer, MDOT plans to let a project calling for the construction of a dual-lane roundabout at the intersection of State Route 15 and State Route 16 in Philadelphia. The project will also include the replacement of two bridges located on Weyerhaeuser St. and Lakeside Dr.
View the current design of the SR 15/SR 16 roundabout HERE. Designs also include future modifications planned for State Route 885 in Philadelphia. SR 885 connects SR 16 to SR 15 in the vicinity of Tolbert Chevrolet. The connector road will be reconfigured to allow one-way traffic from south to north and will reduce the potential for accidents and delays at the SR 16 intersection.
“I commend Sen. Jenifer Branning, Highways and Transportation Chairman, and the Legislature for working with us and getting this project moving,” said Simmons. “With the circular design, traffic will flow seamlessly, minimizing the chance of severe accidents and improving the overall safety and operation. Along with a smoother traffic flow, drivers will experience reduced wait times, leading to less frustration and easier commutes.”
Once let for construction, the roundabout will replace the existing traditional intersection of SR 15 and SR 16, reducing the risk of high speed, right angle collisions. MDOT officials plan to begin the Right of Way acquisition and utility relocation process later this year.
Mill and overlay of SR 19 in Lauderdale County
A mill and overlay of five miles of SR 19 from 0.5 miles north of North Hills St. to 0.2 miles north of State Route 494 is underway. The scope of work also includes safety improvements to the intersections of SR 494 and SR 19 and State Blvd. Extension and SR 19, removal of debris from existing drainage structures, random clearing of trees on right-of-way to improve sight distance, repairing failed areas in the existing pavement, replacement of guardrail, replacement of signs and resealing of bridge joints.
Intersection modifications at SR 494 and the State Blvd. Extension are complete. Mainline paving is underway.
The $5.4 million contract was awarded to APAC-Mississippi, Inc. Remaining work is expected to wrap up by the winter.
Safety enhancement project on SR 39 in Meridian
A project is underway on SR 39 from Dale Dr. to North Hills St. in Meridian that consists of installing operational improvements that will enhance safety. The operational improvements consist of installation of directional median crossovers, lane widening and some intersection reconfigurations. The contractor has finished subgrade for crossovers and is currently hauling crushed stone and pouring curb and gutter throughout job site.
The $6.2 million contract was awarded to Phillips Contracting Co., Inc. of Columbus. The project is expected to wrap up this fall.
Bridge preservation on State Route 39 in Kemper County
A bridge preservation project is moving along on State Route 39 bridges over Sucarnoochee River and Straight Creek. The scope of work includes resealing of bridge joints, cleaning bent caps, repairing concrete, replacing bridge bearings, bank reshaping and stabilization, extending pile encasements and undersealing end bent caps.
Crews are currently finishing up bank reshaping efforts and placing rip rap. The $781,000 project was awarded to Century Construction Group, Inc. Work is expected to wrap up summer 2024.
Mill and overlay of State Route 16 in Madison County
A mill and overlay of 11 miles of State Route 16 from SR 43 to Farmhaven recently began in Madison County. This portion of the project includes the repairing of failed areas and the replacement of both guardrail and signs. Another portion of the project provides the removal of asphalt and installation of a concrete inlay on portions of the SR 43 and SR 16 intersection in Canton.
The $4.7 million contract was awarded to APAC-Mississippi, Inc. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2024.
Mill and overlay of SR 18 in Hinds County
A project calling for the mill and overlay of 18 miles of SR 18 from the end of the Copiah County line to the beginning of the four-lane section near Raymond is progressing. The scope of work includes repairing failed areas, repairing and replacing damaged cross drain pipes and widening portions of the roadway.
Crews have completed punchouts and pipe repairs. Mill and overlay operations of the mainline is complete.
The nearly $8 million contract was awarded to Superior Asphalt, Inc. of Byram. Remaining work is expected to wrap up by late fall this year.
“This project is much needed and will enhance safety for travelers along this corridor,” said Simmons. “Motorists are reminded to slow down and be on high alert for the roadside workers trying to complete these projects as quickly and safely as possible.”
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.
MDOT recently launched a new project update webpage that aims to keep the public informed regarding significant, active 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. Access the MDOT projects webpage by visiting www.GoMDOT.com/Projects.
In addition to the projects webpage, drivers can stay updated with live travel information by downloading the MDOT Traffic mobile app, visiting www.MDOTtraffic.com and following @MississippiDOT on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.