JACKSON, MS — Officials recently gathered in Madison to break ground on a local project that calls for the construction of 1.3 miles of new two-lane roadway from Parkway East to U.S. Highway 51.

Reunion Parkway will eventually connect I-55, U.S. 51, and Bozeman Road. It will provide an east/west corridor that will help move traffic safely and efficiently to accommodate new homes, schools, and additional economic development opportunities.

Officials in attendance included Gov. Tate Reeves, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, Congressman Michael Guest, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons, and President of the Madison County Board of Supervisors Gerald Steen.

“I commend this community for putting together a plan and pursuing this plan through the process of bringing together all the players to collaborate at the state, local, and federal level. This process gets results,” Simmons said. “Once all phases are complete, this community will have another safe and efficient east/west corridor, which will bring economic development opportunities with it. It’s a win/win.”

The project will have three phases. This phase calls for the construction of new bridges over Bear Creek and the CN Railroad, along with construction of bicycle lanes on each side of the new roadway.

The $22.7 million contract was awarded to the prime contractor, Hemphill Construction Company. Federal funds in the amount of $3.65 million will be applied to the project. This phase of the project is anticipated to be completed during the spring of 2025.