NEWTON — Commissioner Dick Hall, chair, Mississippi Transportation Commission, has announced updates to Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects in central Mississippi.
“The focus of the majority of the projects in central Mississippi is safety or system preservation,” Hall said. “Because of shortfalls in current transportation funding, the majority of MDOT’s projects reflect the agency’s continued shift from capacity upgrades to system preservation and maintenance.”
Pavement rehabilitation projects
Work is progressing on a 10 mile mill and overlay project on U.S. Highway 80 from the Scott County line to Scanlan Street in Newton County. W.E. Blain & Sons, Inc., of Mt. Olive, was awarded the approximately $4.3 million contract. MDOT expects the project to be complete by late spring.
Economic development project in Hinds County
Interchange improvements to the Interstate 20 and Norrell Road interchange in Hinds County are currently on schedule. This project will provide access to the new Continental Tire plant. The project will provide a new geometry for the interchange and widen and realign the frontage road and local roads.
The I-20 eastbound bridge has been widened on the north side and widening on the south side is currently underway. Drill shafts, columns and caps on the new railroad bridge have been completed, and crews are placing beams and beginning to pour the new bridge deck. Dirt work continues on the project.
Joe McGee Construction Company, Inc., of Lake, started construction in March 2018, and is scheduled for completion in late fall 2019.
The approximately $26.9 million project is being funded by the Mississippi Development Authority.
Bridge replacement and repair projects in central Mississippi
Joe McGee Construction continues an approximately $3.1 million project to replace an existing bridge on State Route 493 near State Route 495 in Lauderdale County. The project will also re-align State Routes 493 and 495 to improve sight distance for motorists. The project is nearing completion.
