NEWTON, MS — Commissioner Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District, announces updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects across central Mississippi.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,” Simmons said. “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.

The 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,” Simmons said. “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.

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.

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.