JACKSON, MS — Central Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons recently joined officials to break ground on a major transportation infrastructure construction project in Washington County.

The project provides for the construction of approximately nine miles of four-lane highway known as the U.S. Highway 82 Greenville Bypass from State Route 1 to Leland. The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Greenville Higher Education building.

“This is a monumental day for the cities of Greenville, Leland, and all of Washington County as this bypass will greatly alleviate traffic and increase safe driving conditions throughout the area,” Simmons said. “There are so many people involved in getting this massive project underway, including the federal government, Mississippi Legislature, our staff, the contractors, city and county leaders, and many, many others. I thank all of you.”

The project is expected to bring economic development opportunities to Greenville and Leland, and is one of the largest projects that the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has bid to contractors. Work will officially begin in March 2022.

“The local economy will boom as a result of what we’re doing here today. That’s what transportation infrastructure is all about,” Simmons said. “I am so proud to be the Commissioner of the Central Transportation District and bring this project to life, which I consider to be one of the greatest things to happen to the Mississippi Delta in many years.”

The $137-million project was awarded to Eutaw Construction Company and is expected to be completed by fall 2025.