NEWTON — Commissioner Willie Simmons, chairman of the Mississippi Transportation Commission, announced updates Thursday to several ongoing Mississippi Department of Transportation projects across central Mississippi, including several improvement efforts taking place in Lauderdale County.

 

“Your tax dollars are hard at work improving our roads and bridges through these projects, some of which are currently wrapping up,” Simmons said. “This kind of progress is great to see across central Mississippi. Please slow down, stay alert and give our crews the necessary space to safely complete these projects as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

 

Mill and overlay of State Route 145 underway in Lauderdale County

 

A mill and overlay of 4.4 miles of State Route 145 from the Clarke County line to Interstate 59 is underway in Lauderdale County. This includes scrub sealing in the project limits. The scope of work also includes repairing failed areas, upgrading any deficient guardrail and repairing existing bridge joints.

 

Crews are currently milling and paving mainline roadway. The $5.8 million project was awarded to APAC-MS Inc. Work is on track to be completed this summer.

 

Emergency bridge repair on 49th Ave. over Interstate 59/Interstate 20 in Meridian

 

A repair project is underway to remove and replace damaged bridge components including beam, railing, a deck portion, diaphragms and drop slabs on the 49th Ave. bridge over Interstate 20/59 in Lauderdale County. The repair is needed after a vehicle struck the bridge recently.

 

Other repair work includes the installation of fiber-reinforced polymer wraps on the beams and the removal and replacement of bridge joint materials. The $1 million project was awarded to Key LLC. Remaining work is expected to wrap up by summer 2025.

 

Improvements nearly complete on Interstate 59 to Interstate 20 ramp in Meridian

 

Improvements are nearing completion on the northbound Interstate 59 to Interstate 20 east ramp in Meridian. The scope includes milling the existing roadway surface, placing leveling asphalt to correct cross slopes, overlaying the ramp with asphalt and placing a high-friction surface treatment.

 

The scope also includes the clearing of trees within 70 feet of the roadway. The only remaining work includes thermoplastic striping, roadside pavement marker placement and final sweeping.

 

The $635,000 project was awarded to Walters Construction Company Inc. of Laurel. Work is on track to wrap up this spring.

 

State Route 19 expansion complete in Neshoba County 

 

A massive expansion project along 4.6 miles of State Route 19 from Tucker to Philadelphia in Neshoba County is now complete. The expansion project upgraded SR 19 from two to four lanes and will enhance safety and mobility across east central Mississippi.

 

“We are thrilled to wrap up this major expansion project on SR 19 in Neshoba County,” said Simmons. “This area has seen a consistent increase in traffic for many years. Now, SR 19 is a safer, smoother and less congested corridor.”

 

The $36 million contract was awarded to W.G. Yates and Sons Construction of Philadelphia.

 

Major Interstate 20 mill and overlay continues in Scott County

 

A massive mill and overlay of 17 miles of Interstate 20 from the Rankin County line to 0.25 miles east of State Route 501 is underway in Scott County. Pressure grouting and failed area repairs are complete. Guardrail repair, clearing, fence repair and joint sealing efforts are currently underway.

 

The $28.2 million contract was awarded to APAC-MS of Richland. The anticipated completion date is summer 2025.

 

Bridge replacements on State Route 395 in Neshoba County

 

The replacement of two bridges on State Route 395 between State Route 19 and the Winston County line continues. The first bridge on SR 395 over Pinishook Creek has been reopened. The second SR 395 bridge over Mimes Branch is currently closed for replacement. Crews are driving piles and pouring bridge caps on the closed bridge.

 

The $4.7 million project was awarded to Ste-Bil Grading, Inc. of Waterford. Work is scheduled to be complete summer 2025.

 

U.S. 45 mill and overlay underway in Noxubee County 

 

A mill and overlay of 10 miles of U.S. 45 from the Kemper/Noxubee County line to south of the Macon Bypass is now underway. The scope of work includes the repair of failed areas, upgrades to any deficient guardrail and the replacement of traffic signs and bridge joints.

 

Crews are currently working on failed area repairs. The $9.5 million contract was awarded to APAC-MS, Inc. The estimated completion is fall 2025.

 

Other projects underway throughout the central district include:

 

— A bridge rehabilitation on U.S. 80 in Hinds County.

 

— A bridge deck replacement  on Interstate 55 in Jackson.

 

— Mill and overlay on U.S. 49 in Rankin County.

 

— Electrical repairs planned on Interstate 20 and Interstate 55 in Jackson.

 

— U.S. 51 intersection improvements in Madison County.

 

— State Route 477 construction underway in Rankin County.

 

— Pavement restoration of Interstate 20 underway in western Hinds County.

 

— Mill and overlay of State Route 469 in Rankin County.

 

 

 

Work zone safety 

 

Highway work zones are meant to protect the traveling public and workers on the side of the road. Work zones present new traffic patterns and configurations that may be unfamiliar to motorists. For information about how to navigate highway work zones safely, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.

 

Stay up to date on MDOT’s significant, active projects by visiting GoMDOT.com/Projects. The webpage provides up-to-date information on project timelines, progress and any potential road closures or detours that may be associated with the project.