MDOT announces updates to Northeast MS projects

TUPELO, MISS. – Commissioner John Caldwell, Northern Transportation District, has announced 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,” said Caldwell. “Help us keep our work zones safe and show your appreciation by slowing down, avoiding distractions and staying alert.”

Lottery-funded paving projects underway

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.

State Route 76 construction in Itawamba County

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 a 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.

Overlay and safety upgrades in Lee County

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 ,, 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.

projects Tishomingo County

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.

Overlay of U.S. Highway 45A in Clay County

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,” said Caldwell.

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.

For more information about these or other MDOT maintenance and construction projects, visit MDOTtraffic.com, download the free MDOT Traffic app or like and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed and maintained in an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sensitive manner. MDOT’s objective is to maximize taxpayer’s dollars by providing a safe, efficient multimodal network that enhances economic stability and growth. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.

Photo and video links: https://pub.mdot.ms.gov/download/press%20releases/2022/March/D1%20Project%20Update/