YAZOO CITY, MS — Mississippi Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons announces updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects in western Mississippi.

“Crews are making headway on several projects in western Mississippi that will improve safety and make your drives more efficient,” Simmons said. “These projects show your tax dollars at work and are the kind of investment needed to continue moving our transportation infrastructure forward.”

The second phase of the U.S. 82 Greenville Bypass construction is officially underway. The first phase of the massive construction project began in March 2022 and provided the construction of nine miles of four-lane roadway from State Route 1 to Leland in Washington County.

Phase II of the project runs from SR 1 to the Mississippi River Bridge. It provides cement stabilization and paving of approximately 7 miles of the newly constructed U.S. 82 Greenville Bypass. Once complete, the bypass will greatly alleviate traffic and improve driving conditions throughout the area.

Crews are currently pouring bridge diaphragms at Flannigan Road, pouring bridge deck over Main Canal, constructing the U.S. 82/SR 61 intersection, and installing right of way fencing. Borrow, gravel, soil cement, and asphalt operations continue west of VFW Road as weather allows.

“Every community in and around Washington County will benefit from this project with a safer roadway and the industry it will bring in right next to the Mississippi River,” Simmons said. “From the standpoint of connectivity and economic development, it’s going to do great things for the Mississippi Delta region.”

The $79 million project was awarded to Eutaw Construction of Madison and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.

A critical project calling for the replacement of three bridges on State Route 16/149 over the Yazoo River Floodway Channels remains underway. The work requires the complete closure of SR 16/149 between West Leeve Road and Whittington East Levee Road in Yazoo County.

Crews are currently removing Bridge B, driving production piles, preparing a trial shaft, and forming caps on Bridge A. During the closure, northbound traffic will detour by taking State Route 3 to U.S. 49W north. Southbound traffic will take U.S. 49W south to SR 3 south.

“We understand this is an extended closure and an inconvenience, but residents, drivers, and businesses can rest assured and know they will have a safer set of bridges to carry them and their loads across SR 16/149,” Simmons said. “Crews will continue working as quickly and efficiently as possible to complete this crucial work.”

Remaining work is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The $27.9 million project was awarded to Key, LLC of Madison.

The 22-mile mill and overlay of I-55 from half a mile north of State Route 17 to the Carroll County line continues to make headway. Completed work includes the partial clearing of trees along the interstate, milling work, and paving the first lift of stone matrix asphalt (SMA) throughout the project.

Paving efforts from Durant to the Carroll County line remain underway on the interstate, shoulders, and local roads. Trees are being cleared within 50 feet of the travel lanes, and the interstate will be milled and overlayed with two lifts of SMA. Paving efforts are currently underway south of Durant.

The $39 million project was awarded to APAC-Mississippi, Inc. of Jackson. Work is estimated to be completed by the summer.