HATTIESBURG, MS — The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) began work on a widening and reconstruction project on U.S. Highway 11 in Pearl River County last month.

Crews were on site installing construction signs the week of January 20, and construction will start shortly after that. Work will start on the northbound lane, and traffic will shift to the center lane to allow room for construction.

This $14.4-million project was awarded to Barriere Construction Company, LLC, of Franklinton, Louisiana. The work will stretch from Cayten Street to Lakeshore Drive, about 1.65 miles. It will include underground drainage work and the construction of curbs, concrete islands and concrete sidewalks. New traffic signals will be installed along with roadway lighting, and there will be paving and striping.

“Once completed the roadway will have two lanes in each direction,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “The need for this project comes down to safety; these additional lanes will allow more room for drivers and will help clear up congestion.”

This project is projected to be two and a half years long.