US 80 over Pearl River in Jackson
Commissioner Willie Simmons, Chairman of the Mississippi Transportation Commission, has announced updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects across central Mississippi.
“Central Mississippi is seeing a boom in progress across all sorts of infrastructure improvement projects. Seeing so much work underway, with several projects wrapping up ahead of schedule, really makes this an exciting time for the entire region,” said Commissioner Simmons. “We understand that making this kind of significant improvement on state roads and bridges sometimes requires temporary hardships for drivers, but this is what progress looks like. I am proud of the amount of progress being made here.”
Significant progress made on I-55 bridge preservation over the Pearl River
A bridge preservation project on I-55 over the Pearl River in Jackson continues making headway. The work entails the removal and replacement of both bridge decks. The welding and painting of steel members has been completed on both bridges.
Crews reopened the northbound lanes of I-55 over the Pearl River to the original configuration, including both lanes of the Pearl St. exit from I-55 northbound. On the southbound bridge, the concrete deck overlay is underway. Crews have completed three of five concrete pours. The final two pours will take place in the coming weeks. Once these pours are complete and have cured, crews will be able to reopen the southbound lanes.
The preservation project includes a section of I-20 eastbound to I-55 northbound that entails jacking and structural repairs, epoxy injection, installation of joint seals, bank reshaping, repainting the steel members and rip rap placement. Construction of temporary shoring towers is in progress on the I-20 east to I-55 north flyover bridge.
“I want to thank Jackson-area drivers for their patience and efforts being made to slow down, remain alert and allow additional travel time as we make headway on this project and others in the area,” said Simmons. “We are making great progress and will continue doing so as diligently as possible. Please keep your guard up, stay alert and anticipate moderate traffic impacts during peak travel.”
The $24.4 million contract was awarded to Key, LLC of Madison.
US 80 closure over Pearl River relief area
U.S. 80 bridge rehab over the Pearl River finishes early as crews get head start on the second repair
Crews completed a major U.S. 80 bridge rehabilitation over the Pearl River ahead of schedule, which allowed crews to immediately begin work on the second U.S. 80 bridge repair just east of the first in Hinds County. The second project, which began August 6, is over the Pearl River relief area and allows a closure period of up to 100 calendar days. The first project over the Pearl River called for 270 calendar days. Crews finished the significant bridge rehab project in 245 days.
The U.S. 80 project underway now includes the removal and replacement of portions of the end bent and bridge end pavement. Additional rehabilitation work includes placing a hybrid polymer concrete overlay on the bridge deck, sealing the new bridge joints and cleaning all bridge caps.
“While the second U.S. 80 bridge repair will not last as long as the first, the work is just as crucial. Both projects are necessary to ensure these bridges will be able to handle the additional traffic they will experience when we begin other major projects in the metro in the coming years,” said Simmons. “To the residents, businesses and drivers in Hinds and Rankin County that utilize this portion of roadway, rest assured you will have safer and more efficient infrastructure along U.S. 80 this fall. Please be patient and continue utilizing an alternate route as crews complete this second and final bridge repair.”
The $2.1 million project was awarded to Key, LLC of Madison. The U.S. 80 work is expected to wrap up and reopen to traffic this fall.
Crews repair, reopen State Route 43 in Rankin County ahead of schedule
Crews recently wrapped up a roadway repair on State Route 43 between State Route 471 and the Natchez Trace Parkway in Rankin County well ahead of schedule. The project called for the repair to a section underneath the roadway approach to the bridge.
The contract allowed two months to complete the repair. Crews completed the work in two weeks.
“Thanks to the determination and teamwork between our crews, the contractor and drivers in the area, we were thrilled to get this critical repair completed so far ahead of schedule,” said Simmons. “This stretch of road sees an average of 3,500 vehicles daily, including commercial truck traffic, so we understood the importance of getting it done as quickly as possible as the closure created quite a hardship for businesses and residents in the area. That said, safety is non-negotiable. SR 43 is now a safer corridor for all traffic.”
The $1.1 million repair project was awarded to Ste-Bil Grading, Inc.
ITS installation on I-59/20 in Meridian underway
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 is underway.
The components being installed include cameras to monitor traffic and dynamic message signs to alert drivers as needed. The contractor is currently boring conduit for the fiber optic installation.
The $3.7 million contract was awarded to R&W Electric Company of Collinsville. Work is expected to be complete fall 2026.
State Route 477 (West Rankin Parkway) construction ahead of schedule in Rankin County
Significant headway is being made on a historic project that calls for the construction of a four-lane highway between U.S. 80 in Pearl and State Route 468 in Flowood, including grading, drainage and bridge work. Earthwork operations are complete.
Other completed work includes all excess excavation, mainline borrow, and subbase material hauling. Crews have also finished storm drainpipe and drainage structures, soil treatment, and curb and gutter work.
Crews are currently working on the last intermediate lift of asphalt, ITS installation, fencing, Right of Way markers and erosion control. Once complete, SR 477 will connect the cities of Pearl and Flowood, enhancing safety and connectivity across the region.
Eutaw Construction Company, Inc. of Madison was awarded the nearly $60 million project. The original completion date was spring 2027. The project is currently ahead of schedule.
Mill and overlay of U.S. 51 underway in Madison County
A mill and overlay of nine miles of U.S. 51 from the northern Madison city limits to Dinkins St. is underway in Madison County. Work includes failed area repair, upgrades to any deficient guardrail, signage replacement, traffic signal detection upgrades and tree clearing.
Full depth joint repairs are complete and being maintained. Trench widening and repair at the Green Oak intersection is also complete. Random clearing efforts are underway at Yandell Rd. and heading north.
The $8.2 million project was awarded to APAC-MS. The estimated completion date is spring 2026.
Massive I-20 mill and overlay nears completion in Scott County
The massive 17-mile mill and overlay of I-20 from the Rankin County line to 0.25 mile east of State Route 501 continues making headway in Scott County.
The scope of work includes repairing failed areas in the existing pavement, pressure grouting and repairing longitudinal joints, removing debris from existing drainage structures, tree clearing, replacing deficient guardrail, upgrading traffic signal detection to radar at the State Route 35 interchange, epoxy repairs and resealing joints on various bridges throughout the project.
Crews have placed open graded friction course (OGFC) along both east and westbound lanes throughout the project area. Guard post installation is being completed as materials become available.
The $28.2 million contract was awarded to APAC-MS of Richland. Remaining work is expected to wrap up by the fall.
Pavement restoration of I-20 continues in western Hinds County
On the western side of Hinds County, a major pavement restoration project continues. The project includes 16 miles of interstate from the Warren County line to the Natchez Trace Parkway.
The scope of work includes milling and overlaying the existing OGFC pavement, repairing failed areas in underlying concrete pavement, fiber reinforced polymer patching in the existing concrete pavement and upgrading deficient guardrail.
Crews have completed mainline paving and are installing guardrail. The $9.9 million project was awarded to Superior Asphalt of Byram. Remaining work is dependent on weather conditions and expected to wrap up this fall.
State Route 19 expansion begins in Neshoba County
Work recently began on a project to expand State Route 19 from two to four lanes from State Route 492 at House to Tucker. The scope of work includes construction of nine bridges, construction of two new northbound lanes and reconstruction of the existing SR 19 to serve as the two new southbound lanes.
Phase I temporary construction signs are in place. Other work in progress includes clearing and grubbing, hauling borrow material and driving production piles.
The $97.4 million project was awarded to W.G. Yates & Son Construction Company. The project has an estimated completion date of spring 2028.
Electrical repairs to lighting system on I-20 and I-55 underway in Hinds County
A project that consists of electrical repairs and upgrades to the current roadway lighting system on I-20 from State Route 18 to I-55 and on I-55 from I-20 to the Rankin County line is underway. The scope of work includes repairing the current roadway lighting system and upgrading the system to LED lighting.
The contractor has installed and wired new LED fixtures on all low and high-mast assembles and can be retrofitted without using a crane. The secondary power controllers are being built off-site to be replaced in the field.
The prime contractor, R&W Electric Company, was awarded the $2.8 million contract. The estimated completion date is fall 2025.
Roundabout construction at State Route 15/16 interchange in Neshoba County
A project that consists of construction of a roundabout at the intersection of State Route 15 and State Route 16 in Philadelphia is underway. The scope of work also includes bridge replacements on Weyerhaeuser St. and Lakeside Dr.
Completed work includes placing construction signs for Phase I, removing the Lakeside Dr. bridge and Weyerhaeuser St. bridge, driving steel piles, pouring the bridge end caps and placing prefabricated bridge and bridge rails. Crews are currently excavating for the sleeper slab and bridge end pavement for the Weyerhaeuser St. bridge.
The nearly $9 million project was awarded to Cook & Son, LLC. The anticipated completion date is spring 2027.
State Route 25 mill and overlay begins in Hinds County
A mill, overlay and concrete rehabilitation of two miles of State Route 25 beginning near St. Dominic’s Hospital to the Rankin County line is now underway. The project includes the frontage roads within the project limits.
The scope of work involves repairing failed areas in the underlying concrete pavement, removing sediment from drainage structures and upgrading deficient guardrail. Crews have completed the installation of temporary construction signs throughout the project and started rehabilitation work.
The $3.9 million project was awarded to AJ Construction, Inc. of Jackson. Work is anticipated to wrap up by the fall.
Roundabout improvements continue on Old Brandon Road in Rankin County
A project that consists of roundabout improvements on Old Brandon Rd., International Dr. and State Route 475 continues in Rankin County. The improvements include geometric changes to allow for safer and smoother traffic flow throughout the roundabout.
Crews have completed the second phase of construction, including the southern half of the roundabout. Traffic control is now in the third phase configuration as crews begin to build the concrete median island on International Dr.
The $3.1 million project was awarded to Joe McGee Construction, Inc. and is expected to wrap up by the fall.
Mill and overlay of State Route 16 and State Route 39 Connector in Kemper County
A project that calls for the mill and overlay of 13 miles of State Route 16 from the Neshoba County line to east of Watkins Rd., along with the mill and overlay of 0.3 miles of the State Route 39 Connector from SR 39 south to SR 39 north in Kemper County is making headway.
The scope includes repairing failed areas, upgrading any deficient guardrail and replacing traffic signs. Crews are currently milling and paving mainline roadway.
The $5.9 million contract was awarded to Dickerson & Bowen of Jackson. Work is expected to wrap up by summer 2026.
Mill and overlay of State Route 145 in Lauderdale County nears completion
The mill and overlay of 4.4 miles of State Route 145, including scrub sealing of 5.2 miles of SR 145 from the Clarke County line to I-59 is nearing completion. The scope also includes repairing failed areas, upgrading deficient guardrail and repairing existing bridge joints.
All pay items are complete for the exception of permanent striping. The $5.8 million project was awarded to APAC-MS.
Mill and overlay of I-55 ramps at State Route 463 interchange in Madison County
A mill and overlay of the entrance and exit ramps of I-55 at the State Route 463 interchange will soon be underway. The scope of work includes repairing failed areas, removing debris and sand from the existing drainage structures and site grading to improve drainage.
The $1.9 million project was awarded to Dickerson & Bowen, Inc. The project will begin after Labor Day and expected to wrap up late fall.
OGFC removal and replacement on I-20 from East Brandon to the Scott County line
A project calling for the removal and replacement of 13 miles of I-20 from the East Brandon Interchange to the Scott County line is underway. The project provides fog sealing for six miles of I-20 from the Pearson Rd. interchange to the Crossgates Blvd. interchange.
The project includes milling and overlaying the existing OGFC pavement, failed area repairs in underlying concrete pavement, joint and crack sealing, tree clearing, cleaning drainage structures and upgrades to deficient guardrail.
Crews have completed all failed area repairs. Tree clearing operations are underway on the westbound lanes just west of Pelahatchie. The $11.2 million project was awarded to APAC-MS. The estimated completion date is fall 2026.
Mill and overlay of State Route 16 through Philadelphia
A mill and overlay of two miles of State Route 16 through the City of Philadelphia is underway. Work includes failed area repair, traffic sign replacement and signal detection upgrades.
Crews have placed temporary construction signs, repaired failed areas, upgraded traffic signals and finished the mill and overlay of mainline. Work underway includes the placement of concrete curb and milling and overlaying of the shoulders, parking areas and city streets.
The $4.9 project was awarded to APAC-MS. Remaining work is expected to wrap up this fall.
I-20 mill and overlay Newton County
Mill and overlay of I-20 in Newton County begins
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 has begun in Newton County. The project includes improvements to state-maintained overpasses at Gentry Rd. and Experiment Station Rd.
The scope of work includes failed area repairs, deficient guardrail upgrades, cross drain repairs, resealing of bridge joints and performing epoxy repairs on bridges. Crews have wrapped up the majority of drainage structure repairs and cleanouts. Random clearing is underway in the median.
The $12.4 million contract was awarded to APAC-MS. The expected completion date is summer 2026.
U.S. 45 mill and overlay nearly complete in Noxubee County
The lottery-funded mill and overlay of 10 miles of U.S. 45 from the Kemper County line to south of the Macon Bypass in Noxubee County is nearly complete. The scope of work includes the repair of failed areas, upgrades to deficient guardrail and the replacement of traffic signs and bridge joints.
All pay item work from the original contract is complete. The $9.5 million contract was awarded to APAC-MS, Inc.
Bridge replacement on State Route 14 over Hashuqua Creek
A bridge replacement project on State Route 14 over Hashuqua Creek is underway in Noxubee County. Phase I construction signs are in place.
Work in progress includes clearing and grubbing the detour road, placing erosion control and hauling of borrow material.
The $7.4 million project was awarded to Cotton Creek Transport, Inc. of Laurel. The work has an estimated completion date of fall 2026.
SR 43 road repair in Rankin County
State Route 43 mill and overlay complete in Rankin County
The mill and overlay of 10 miles of State Route 43 from State Route 481 to the Madison County line is complete. Work included failed area repair, drainage structure replacement, deficient guardrail upgrades and replacement of traffic signals.
The $6.6 million project was awarded to APAC-MS.
State Route 395 bridge replacements nearly complete in Neshoba County
The replacement of two bridges on State Route 395 between State Route 19 and the Winston County line is nearly complete.
All work is complete except for pouring paved flumes on the bridge over Mimes Branch.
The $4.7 million project was awarded to Ste-Bil Grading, Inc. of Waterford. Remaining work is expected to wrap up by the end of the summer.
State Route 25 intersection improvements nearly complete in Rankin County
A project that consists of geometric and operational improvements on SR 25 at the intersections of Mt. Helms Rd. and Pisgah Rd. is nearly complete. Only cure time is needed for thermoplastic striping.
The project increases safety for drivers along SR 25. The $2.7 million contract was awarded to Hemphill Construction Company, Inc. of Florence.
“These projects are preserving and extending the life of our transportation infrastructure. More importantly, these projects will make travel conditions safer long term,” said Simmons. “Please be patient, slow down and stay alert so our crews can safely complete these projects as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
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.