JACKSON, MS — Mississippi Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons and Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Executive Director Brad White announce two major expansion projects, one on I-55 in Madison County and the other on State Route 25 in Rankin County.
The announcement comes after the passage of House Bill (HB) 1938 during the 2026 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature, which appropriated funding for these capacity projects. Each project will help address traffic demands while improving safety and supporting continued economic development in two of Mississippi’s fastest growing regions.
The first project calls for the widening of I-55 by adding a lane in each direction between State Route 463 and Gluckstadt Road in Madison County, expanding the corridor from four to six lanes, including interstate lighting inside the project limits. The second project will widen SR 25 to six lanes from Grant’s Ferry Road to State Route 471 in Rankin County and includes the construction of roundabouts at the SR 25 and SR 471 interchange.
The I-55 expansion in Madison County is expected to ease congestion and improve mobility along a major commercial and commuter corridor, while upgrades to SR 25 in Rankin County will enhance regional connectivity and accommodate future growth. MDOT officials praised HB 1938 as a significant investment in Mississippi’s infrastructure and long-term economic competitiveness.
“This coming year, MDOT will enjoy the largest budget we’ve ever had, with the authority to spend upwards of about $2.3 billion towards the advancement and enhancement of our transportation system across the state,” White said. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Mississippi Legislature for their investment and commitment to transportation, as well as our congressional delegation through the federal funds that we get through the Federal Highway Administration [FHWA] and other grants.”
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Officials say the investments will strengthen commerce, improve daily commutes, and position Central Mississippi for future growth. Construction timelines and additional project details will be announced as planning and development move forward.
“Like I-55 in Madison County, SR 25 has experienced tremendous growth and increased demand from the 20,000 drivers that utilize this highway daily, compared to roughly 70,000 drivers on a daily basis on I-55 in Madison County,” Simmons said. “Both of these projects are much needed, and we are very pleased to be in the position where we are going from kicking the can down the road to actually preparing to let and build these projects in a manner that takes care of our communities — the business community, the emergency responders’ needs, and all the individuals that travel these corridors.”
