“Lots of progress is being made across the central area of our state, and many critical infrastructure improvement projects are wrapping up,” Simmons said. “This is the kind of investment we need in our state’s transportation network. It will go a long way in improving safety and efficiency across central Mississippi."
The work required the bridge to close for eight months, but favorable weather conditions allowed crews to wrap up the replacement project a month ahead of schedule.
“I applaud crews for working diligently to get this vital corridor opened back up ahead of schedule,” Simmons said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this closure. Residents and the business community now have a safer and more reliable bridge to travel.”
Phase II work is underway. Work includes clearing and grubbing, milling the southbound lanes of SR 19, removing old box culverts and bridges, and constructing box culverts and bridges. Other work items include rehabbing portions of the existing SR 19 and reconstructing other areas that require new cross drains and box culverts.
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Phase III will place traffic in the four-lane configuration, place the final lift of asphalt, and provide permanent striping. The $36 million contract was awarded to W.G. Yates and Sons Construction of Philadelphia. Remaining work is expected to wrap up in 2024.
Additional work consists of milling and overlaying the Gallatin Street connector ramp to I-20 westbound and the Gallatin Street loop ramp to I-20 eastbound. A portion of the project consists of placing high-friction surface treatment on the ramp from I-55 south to I-20 west.
Current work includes milling the I-20 eastbound mainline and repaving the tie-ins and asphalt failures on I-20 westbound. The $11 million contract was awarded to Dickerson & Bowen, Inc. of Brookhaven.
Work in progress includes ditch repair work past Star Road on the southbound side of U.S. 49, concrete pavement pressure grouting, and pothole patching throughout the project. The $11.4 million project was awarded to APAC-MS, Inc. of Jackson. Remaining work is on track to wrap up next spring.
The scope of work includes repairing failed areas in the existing pavement, pressure grouting and repair of longitudinal joints, removal of debris from existing drainage structures, tree clearing, replacement of deficient guardrail, upgrading traffic signal detection radar at the State Route 35 interchange, epoxy repairs, and resealing joints on various bridges throughout the project.
The $28 million project was awarded to APAC-MS, Inc., and the estimated completion date is summer 2025.
