FYI: Update on MDOT projects in area counties

BATESVILLE, MISS. – Commissioner John Caldwell, Northern Transportation District, has announced updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) maintenance projects.

Bridge replacement project in Marshall County

In Marshall County, five bridges and one box culvert have been replaced at three sites on State Route 309.

Crews are active at the sites removing the old highway and bridges. Once demolition is completed, a final riding surface of asphalt will be laid through the project area.

The $17 million project was awarded to Talbot Brothers, of Nesbit, and is slated to be completed in fall 2021.

Bridge replacement project in Benton County

In Benton County, a bridge replacement project on State Route 178 is nearing completion. The project included replacement of two bridges over Pechahalee Creek and Oaklimeter Creek and a box bridge replacement over Armour Branch.

The bridges are complete, and crews will be laying asphalt this month.

The $4.8 million project was awarded to Talbot Brothers.

Intersection improvements on State Route 7 in Lafayette County

The $2.7 million project will add turn lanes on State Route 7 and realign intersections at South Lamar Boulevard, County Road 414 and County Road 401.

Clearing and earthwork are underway throughout the project site.

The South Lamar intersection will be moved north to provide a better approach angle. The intersections at CR 414 and CR 401 will be closed. CR 401 will be extended north through CR 414 and end at the new South Lamar crossing.

Outside turn lanes will be added on SR 7 for traffic turning right at the intersection. Inside turn lanes will be added on SR 7 for traffic turning left at the intersection. Acceleration lanes will be added for traffic turning right onto the highway.

The project was awarded to Talbot Bros. Construction Company, Inc., and Talbot Bros. Grading Company, Inc., a joint venture of Nesbit, and is expected to be completed by winter 2021.

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.