JACKSON, MS — Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) crews completed the I-20 eastbound hydro-demolition bridge rehabilitation a day ahead of schedule.

The eastbound I-20 bridge over Lynch Creek in Jackson was scheduled to be closed, but crews were able to complete the deck pour and finish striping efforts, allowing the bridge to open a full day ahead of schedule.

“We are thrilled to be able to open up I-20 eastbound a full day ahead of schedule and in time for the morning commute,” said MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath. “We greatly appreciate the traveling public’s patience as crews made these critical repairs to the I-20 eastbound bridge deck over Lynch Creek.”

Since the eastbound bridge’s closure, crews removed and replaced sections of the bridge deck. Using high pressure water, crews removed the existing bridge deck before placing the new deck, restriping the travel lanes and placing rip rap along the creek bed to prevent erosion.

With the eastbound bridge complete, MDOT crews also geared up to close the westbound bridge to perform the same hydro-demolition bridge work. While the westbound side was closed, the on-ramp to I-55 north from County Line Road closed to help the flow of detour traffic.

While construction took place on the westbound side of I-20 between Ellis Avenue and Terry Road, freight traffic was directed to I-55 and I-220 to detour around the closure. Only local traffic was permitted on the Highway 80 detour during the westbound closure period.

Motorists are reminded to be on high alert for flagmen and roadside workers. Advance warning and detour signage will be in place for communication with the traveling public during the I-20 westbound closure period.

“We wouldn’t have been able to open a day early without all of the support MDOT received from Key Constructors, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson Police Department,” said Commissioner Dick Hall, Chair, Mississippi Transportation Commission. “This project will extend each bridge’s service life up to 50 years. For a stretch of roadway that carries an average of 93,000 vehicles a day, this is an invaluable investment into our state’s infrastructure.”