Below is a press release from the Mississippi Department of Transportation:
Commissioner Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District, has announced updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects across central Mississippi.
U.S. Highway 49 project wraps up in Rankin County
The 7.5-mile reconstruction and widening of U.S. Highway 49 from Florence to Richland was recently completed, expanding the roadway to three travel lanes and a shoulder in each direction. Work included removing the old concrete roadway and unsuitable underlying material, installing a stable base, tying in all side roads, enhancing bridges, roadway and drainage throughout the area, signal improvements, and updated signing, paving and striping.
Expanding to three travel lanes and a shoulder in each direction greatly opened up one of the most heavily traveled sections of highway in the state. Crews were able to perform the massive reconstruction project without any complete shutdowns of U.S. 49. Plans required two lanes of traffic to be open in each direction during the day.
“The newly expanded roadway greatly reduces traffic congestion while enhancing safety and local commute times,” said Simmons. “Commercial traffic moving through the area will now experience a more predictable and simple journey.”
Work began in November 2017. The $253 million project was awarded to W.G. Yates & Son Construction Company of Jackson.
Interstate 20 bridge replacement project complete in Jackson
The massive replacement of the Interstate 20 eastbound bridge that spanned U.S. Highway 51, Interstate 55 south and Canadian National / Illinois Central Railroad in Jackson was recently completed. Work consisted of building a larger, adjacent structure and demolishing the old I-20 eastbound bridge between State Street and Gallatin Street in Jackson.
The project also included the widening of I-20 eastbound and I-55 northbound for the new bridge and roadway alignment ramps. Other significant work included asphalt paving along I-20 eastbound and I-55 northbound, slide repairs, drainage and slope pavement improvements, and upgrades to electrical and ITS components.
The new bridge is composed of some of the largest concrete beams in the state. Spanning the railroad are 84-inch tall, prestressed beams, approximately 170 feet long and weighing over 200,000 pounds each. This was the first project in the department’s history to utilize a self-propelled modular transport system to set the beams.
“Despite starting at the beginning of the pandemic, I commend all crews for being able to complete this critical project on schedule without any complete shutdowns of I-20,” said Simmons. “The new bridge and other work items have made this vital cross country route a safer corridor for local and commercial traffic.”
The $42.3 million project was awarded to Key, LLC of Madison. Work began in March 2020.
MDOT crews complete emergency repair on State Route 489 in Newton County
MDOT maintenance crews successfully completed emergency repairs on State Route 489 between Decatur-Conehatta Road and Morrow Road in Newton County only two days after the roadway was severely damaged by floodwaters on Wednesday, August 24. The roadway is clear for travel.
Floodwaters severely damaged the 54-inch pipes that cross SR 489 resulting in a total section loss of roadway 100-feet wide, 15-feet deep and 30-feet across. 1,000 tons of crushed stone was hauled to the site, and 100 feet of heavy-duty pipe was trucked in from Jackson to make the repair. Crews placed a new drainage culvert and filled the washout with crushed stone and dirt before reopening it. Traffic will run on crushed stone for two weeks for settlement to take place before crews place new asphalt.
“I applaud our district maintenance crews for taking swift action to get SR 489 in Newton County repaired and reopened to motorists this quickly,” said Simmons. “This was a significant flood event, and I am proud of our crews for stepping up and getting roadways cleared, repaired and opened back up as soon as possible.”
Interstate 59/20 improvements underway in Lauderdale County
A design-build project is underway that calls for the widening of the Interstate 59/20 bridges over State Route 19/39 and the bridge over 65th Avenue, the removal of bridges over Knight Parker Road and upgrade of the roadway lighting system along the I-59/20 corridor through the city of Meridian. It also includes a roadway lighting system upgrade through Meridian along I-59/20.
Crews have successfully completed pile driving efforts and are currently pouring concrete at both sites. Widening of shoulders at the 65th Avenue bridge and SR 19/39 sites is underway. The eastbound bridge has been removed and the contractor is in the process of completing the new pavement structure on the roadway fill.
The $24.4 million design-build project was awarded to Key Construction Company with an anticipated completion date of summer 2023. The project aims to enhance safety and efficiency for motorists and commercial traffic throughout Meridian and eastern Mississippi.
State Route 19 expansion project continues in Neshoba County
The expansion of State Route 19 from two to four lanes from Tucker to Philadelphia continues in Neshoba County. Work currently underway includes clearing and grubbing, topsoil removal, the installation of erosion control items, excavation, box bridge construction and pipe installation. All temporary signage has been installed.
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.
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.
State Route 43 bridge deck overlay in Madison County
Crews are making headway on a bridge deck overlay on the State Route 43 river bridge between State Route 25 and the Natchez Trace Parkway in Madison County. This is a preventative maintenance project necessary to extend the service life of the bridge and keep it safe and passable for the public.
Motorists are advised to plan an alternate route during the temporary closure, including State Route 25 to State Route 16, or via Spillway Road. Messages boards are in place to warn traffic of the upcoming closure.
The bridge will remain closed through September 20, 2022. The $721,000 project was awarded to Key Constructors, Inc. of Madison.
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 asphalt has been placed on the current bridge site, guardrail has been installed and shoulder gravel has been placed. Work underway consists of grading and forming bridge flumes.
The $9.6 million project was awarded to L&A Contracting Company of Hattiesburg. Work is expected to be completed by summer 2023.
Lottery funded mill and overlay of State Route 18 set to begin
A lottery funded mill and overlay of 18 miles of State Route 18 from the end of the Copiah County line to the beginning of the four-lane section near Raymond is set to begin. The scope includes repairing failed areas, repairing and replacing cross drainpipes and widening portions of the roadway.
The nearly $8 million project was awarded to Superior Asphalt, Inc. of Byram. The estimated completion date is summer 2023.
Lottery funded mill and overlay of State Route 890 and State Route 855 in Bolton nears completion
A project that consists of milling and overlaying State Route 890 and State Route 855 in Bolton is nearing completion. Crews have completed all work items with the exception of permanent striping.
The $1.2 million project was awarded to Dickerson & Bowen, Inc. of Jackson. Work is on track to be completed fall 2022.
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.
Asphalt leveling operations are complete, which allows for profile corrections, cross slope corrections, and super elevated curve corrections. Mainline milling and paving operations are complete. Current construction consists of placing guardrail and granular material on the shoulders.
APAC-Mississippi, Inc. of Jackson was awarded the $10 million contract. Work is expected to be completed fall 2022.
Signal upgrades on State Route 25 in Hinds County
A project to upgrade the existing signal detection equipment to radar detection on SR 25 from I-55 to State Route 475 is underway. The contractor has completed work on a new signal pole and is awaiting remaining materials.
The $398,000 project was awarded to Lewis Electric Inc. of Flowood. Work is expected to be complete by winter 2022.
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.
