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

“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."

Crews have completed the replacement of the State Route 18 bridge over Dabbs Creek in Rankin County ahead of schedule. In addition to safety benefits, the new bridge provides better access to businesses and residences in the area. The nearly $3 million project was awarded to Ste-Bil Grading, Inc. of Waterford.

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.”

Work continues on the 4.6-mile expansion of State Route 19 from two to four lanes between Tucker and Philadelphia in Neshoba County. Phase I work is complete and included construction of the new northbound lanes, reworking side roads onto the west side of the existing SR 19, and construction of the new intersection at Tucker Elementary School.

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.

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.

A project to remove open-graded friction course (OGFC) pavement on interstates in the Jackson-metro area is making headway. This includes I-20 from McRaven Road to the I-20/I-55 split and from the I-20/I-55 split to east of State Route 468 and I-55 throughout Hinds County.

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.

A major project providing the mill and overlay of 9.2 miles of U.S. 49 from the Simpson County line to just south of Florence is making headway. Work includes repairing failed areas, releveling underlying concrete pavement with pressure grouting, widening the turn lanes at Star Road, and upgrading deficient guardrail.

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.

A mill and overlay of 17 miles of I-20 from the Rankin County line to 0.35 miles east of State Route 501 is set to begin soon in Scott County.

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.