TUPELO, MS — Commissioner John Caldwell, Northern Transportation District, announces updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) maintenance projects in northeast Mississippi.

“A number of projects at various stages of construction and completion should be great indicators of the importance we are placing on our road maintenance,” Caldwell said. “Help us keep our work zones safe and show your appreciation by slowing down, avoiding distractions, and staying alert.”

Construction has started on the overlay of over 16 miles of State Route 32 and State Route 41 in Chickasaw County from State Route 15 to Monroe County. Crews have completed the overlay of SR 32 and are working on driveway pads and shoulders. Crews will continue to pave in the spring on SR 41. The $4.4-million project was awarded to APAC-Mississippi, of Jackson. Work is expected to be completed this summer.

Progress continues on new construction of a four lane highway designated as State Route 76 connecting State Route 25 to State Route 23. This is the last section of the highway project known as “Corridor V” in Itawamba County. Grading and drainage is complete on the project except from Mt. Gilead Road to the west for approximately one mile. All but one lift of asphalt has been placed from SR 23 to just west of Martin Road. The $81-million project was awarded to Eutaw Construction Company Inc., of Aberdeen. Work is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023.A $6.9-million project in Lee County on U.S. Highway 45 encompasses overlay and safety enhancements from Euclatubba Road to Prentiss County Line. Paving and shoulder work is nearing completion. Remaining work includes milling and paving ramps at Highway 370, paving crossovers, and adding safety enhancements by improving turning radius and adding turn lanes at certain intersections. The contract was awarded to W.G. Construction, of Ripley. Work is expected to be completed spring 2022.The replacement of two bridges on State Route 172 west of Iuka that were posted low weight have been completed on time. The new bridges allow school bus traffic to once again cross the bridges safely. The $6.9-million contract was awarded to Century Construction Group, Inc., of Tupelo.Safety improvements to intersections and shoulders are underway on State Route 25 from Itawamba County to the Tennessee State line. This project includes realignment of dangerous intersections, addition of turn lanes, updated signage, and access management controls to reduce crashes. The $5.6-million project was awarded to Cook & Son, LLC, of Smithville and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022.A $5.7-million project in Clay County on U.S. Highway 45A encompasses base repair and overlay from the Lowndes County Line to West Point. The base repair and first lift of asphalt is complete and the final lift of asphalt and shoulder work will be completed by late spring of 2022. The contract was awarded to Falcon Contracting of Columbus.

“We have so much to do. Our needs far surpass our revenue, and inflation will further challenge us in months and years ahead,” Caldwell said.