Commissioner Willie Simmons, Chairman of the Mississippi Transportation Commission, has announced updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects across central Mississippi.
“Work across central Mississippi is progressing nicely, showing your tax dollars hard at work,” said Simmons. “As these projects continue to make headway, the safety and mobility of our state’s infrastructure increases. Please slow down and stay alert for roadside crews working to see these projects through.”
Mill and overlay underway on Jackson area interstates
A critical mill and overlay project continues on I-20 and parts of I-55 and I-220. Work consists of removing open-graded friction course (OGFC) pavement on interstates in the Jackson-metro area. This includes I-20 from McRaven Rd. to the I-20/I-55 split and from the I-20/I-55 split to east of State Route 468, along with I-55 throughout Hinds County.
After milling work takes place, crews are placing a one-inch overlay to smooth out riding conditions for motorists in Jackson. To limit traffic impact, crews are performing work via overnight lane closures. Some paving operations will take place on the weekends if weather permits to further expedite the work.
“This segment of the interstate system has received its share of complaints, and I am grateful that we’re able to make this ride a safer and smoother one,” said Simmons. “During work hours, please stay alert for signage and give our crews enough space to complete this critical improvement project as quickly and safely as possible.”
The $14 million project was awarded to Dickerson & Bowen, Inc. Work is anticipated to wrap up by the end of the summer.
State Route 19 expansion progresses in Neshoba County
A major expansion project along 4.6 miles of State Route 19 from Tucker to Philadelphia in Neshoba County is making progress. The project expands SR 19 from two to four lanes. Phase I construction is complete.
Phase II work is underway. Work includes clearing, grubbing and milling the southbound lanes of SR 19, removing old box culverts and bridges and constructing box culverts and bridges. Crews are also working on pipe placement, realigning county roads and paving ditches.
Phase III 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. Remaining work is expected to wrap up later this year.
U.S. 80 bridge repair underway in Rankin County
A bridge repair on U.S. 80 westbound over the CPKS railroad between Marquette Rd. and I-20 in Brandon is underway. Officials closed the inside lane of the bridge earlier this month after discovering rusted steel girders during a recent bridge inspection.
The repair process is underway, which includes design, fabrication and installation of beams. The westbound inside lane of U.S. 80 is currently closed as a precautionary measure to reduce the load on the structure while allowing crews to assess, design and complete the repair.
“Rest assured, we are working to expedite this process and get the lane reopened as quickly as possible,” said Simmons. “Once the steel plates are fabricated and shipped, the repair process itself will not take long. Until then, please be patient, slow down and watch out for roadside crews at or near the bridge.”
Officials anticipate reopening the inside lane of U.S. 80 westbound in June 2024.
I-20 mill and overlay underway in Scott County
A mill and overlay of 17 miles of I-20 from the Rankin County line to 0.25 miles east of State Route 501 is underway in Scott County. The scope of work includes repairing failed areas in the existing pavement, pressure grouting and repair of longitudinal joints, removal of debris from existing drainage structures, tree clearing, replacement of 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.
Construction signs are in place and pressure grouting is complete. Failed area repair, clearing and fence repair efforts are underway. The $28.2 million contract was awarded to APAC-MS. The anticipated completed date is summer 2025.
Bridge repairs on I-55 underway in Madison County
A project is underway to repair each I-55 bridge over U.S. 51 and CNIC railroad in Madison County. The scope of the repairs includes replacement of bridge bearings, repair of spalled areas with epoxy mortar, installation of hybrid polymer concrete overlay, re-sealing of bridge joints and fencing installation.
Temporary construction signs are in place to alert the public of the overnight lane closures. Bearing pad replacements, epoxy repairs and cleaning of bridge caps are complete. Crews will install the hybrid polymer concrete overlay next. Alternating lane closures are scheduled to be present the next two weekends to allow for the concrete overlay.
The $2.4 million contract was awarded to Key, LLC and is anticipated to be complete this fall.
Mill and overlay continues on U.S. 49 in Rankin County
A major mill and overlay of 9.2 miles of U.S. 49 from the Simpson County line to just south of Florence is underway. Work includes repairing failed areas, releveling underlying concrete pavement with pressure grouting, widening the turn lanes at Star Rd. and upgrading deficient guardrail.
Milling and paving operations have begun on the northbound right lane of U.S. 49 starting at the Simpson County line. Crews have completed pressure grouting concrete in failed areas, turn lane widening at Star Rd. and Eagle Post Rd. and the ditch repair south of Star Rd.
The $11.4 million project was awarded to APAC-MS, Inc. of Jackson. Lane closures will take place overnight to limit traffic impact. Remaining work is expected to wrap up spring 2025.
Bridge replacements underway on State Route 397 in Kemper County
A project is underway to replace two bridges on State Route 397 between State Route 16 and the Winston County line in Kemper County. Clearing and grubbing efforts are complete.
Both substructures of the bridges have been completed and the contractor has completed hauling of base material for the roadbed. Both bridge decks and rails are complete. Crews are working to dress slopes and get the stone base to grade. Paving operations are scheduled to begin next week.
Remaining work is on track to be complete this summer. The $8.9 million contract was awarded to Cotton Creek Transport, Inc. of Laurel.
Pavement restoration of I-20 begins in western Hinds County
Another pavement restoration project on I-20 is underway in Hinds County. This 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 of spalls in the existing concrete pavement and upgrading deficient guardrail. Crews are currently paving, widening ramps and improving guardrail.
The $9.9 million project was awarded to Superior Asphalt of Byram. Work is expected to wrap up this fall.
Mill and overlay of State Route 16 nears completion in Leake County
A project consisting of the mill and overlay of five miles of State Route 16 from the Madison County line to west of State Route 25 in Leake County is nearing completion. Failed areas have been corrected, and guardrail replacement along with mill and overlay operations are complete.
Permanent striping is underway. Remaining work will wrap up this summer. The $2.8 million project was awarded to Dickerson & Bowen, Inc.
Intersection improvements underway on U.S. 51 in Madison County
Work is underway on a project that will improve the intersection of U.S. 51 and Green Oak Ln. in Madison County. The improvements consist of widening the roadways, installing intersection channelization and a traffic signal system.
Earthwork, curb and gutter operations are underway. Islands have been poured along the west side, and the placement of stone and preliminary lift of asphalt has begun.
The project will help provide the U.S. 51 tie-in necessary for the adjacent Reunion Parkway. The $2.2 million contract was awarded to prime contractor Hemphill Construction Company, Inc. of Florence. Work is expected to wrap up late fall 2024.
Mill and overlay of State Route 27 in Hinds County
A mill and overlay of 11 miles of State Route 27 from the Copiah County line to State Route 18 recently got underway. The scope of work includes repairing failed areas and damaged drainage pipes, replacing deficient traffic signs and upgrading deficient guardrail.
Crews have completed placing riprap along several culverts throughout the project limits and have finished repairing failed areas and damaged drainage pipes. Milling and paving operations are underway.
Remaining work is on track to be completed by the end of the summer. The $4.7 million project was awarded to APAC-MS.
Mill and overlay of State Route 469 set to begin in Rankin County
A mill and overlay of 9.5 miles of State Route 469 from Florence to State Route 468 will soon get started in Rankin County. The scope of work includes repairing failed areas, upgrading deficient signage, cross drain repairs, upgrading signal detection and resealing bridge joints.
The $5.5 million contract was awarded to Dickerson & Bowen, Inc. The estimated completion date is spring 2025.
“I’d like to thank the MDOT staff and contractors for their commitment and superb job performance,” said Simmons. “Again, please slow down and stay alert for our crews working to improve our infrastructure daily. Let’s work together to pave our way to a brighter and more connected Mississippi by traveling safely.”
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, formerly Twitter.