MDOT updates area road construction projects
Commissioner John Caldwell, Northern Transportation District, has announced updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) maintenance projects in northwest Mississippi.
“It is great to see more work getting done, but we have a long way to go. Please be mindful of workers in work zones as we continue with a variety of roadway improvements. Stay safe y’all,” said Commissioner Caldwell.
Bridge replacements in Tate County
A $52.5 million dollar project to replace four bridges on Interstate 55 at Hickahala Creek is underway in Tate County.
The project includes construction of new northbound and southbound bridges over Hickahala Creek and the Hickahala relief area. The northbound bridges are being built on a new alignment.
Crews have completed the construction of the two bridges in the northbound lanes of Interstate 55. Traffic has been realigned onto the new northbound lanes and southbound traffic has been transferred onto the old northbound lanes of I-55.
Crews will now demolish the existing southbound bridges and replace them. Once the new southbound bridges are complete, southbound traffic will be shifted back onto them and the existing northbound bridges will be demolished.
The project was awarded to W.G. Yates & Son Construction Company, of Jackson.
Bridge replacement on State Route 3 in Tate County
Work is nearing completion on the construction of two bridges on State Route 3, both being built on a new alignment.
The bridges have replaced two existing steel girder bridges built in the 1950s over Arkabutla and Strayhorn creeks.
The new alignment also improves a sharp horizontal curve that challenged motorists on the roadway in the past.
There has also been a new intersection built that ties State Route 4 to the new alignment of SR 3.
Traffic has been moved onto the new alignment and demolition has begun on the old bridges and roadway embankments.
The $9.7 million dollar project was awarded to Joe McGee Construction Company, of Lake.
The bridges and new alignment were opened up to traffic on September 23rd.
Roundabout construction at State Route 7 and State Route 9W intersection in Lafayette County
Talbot Brothers Inc. out of Nesbit, Mississippi has been awarded a $1.7 million dollar contract to construct a roundabout at the intersections of State Route 7 and State Route 9 in Lafayette County.
The contractor has completed most of the earthwork and has begun placement of the stone base material. Concrete curbing should begin in the next few weeks.
Currently traffic is using a temporary detour that allows construction of the roundabout without traffic impeding the construction progress.
The new roundabout will provide a continuous flow for traffic, and a safer intersection at SR 7 and SR 9W.
New intersection at State Route 7 and South Lamar in Oxford
Talbot Brothers Inc. has been awarded a $2.6 million dollar contract to construct a new intersection at SR 7 and South Lamar in Oxford.
The construction of the new intersection is nearing completion.
This project now aligns County Road 401 and South Lamar at a common intersection, and provides turn lanes for northbound and southbound traffic along SR 7. This will provide improved safety for motorists and continuous traffic flow through the area.
The contractor is wrapping up grading work and installing shoulder gravel, permanent striping and permanent grass to complete the project.
Bridge preservation along US Highway 78 and Interstate 22
Talbot Brothers Inc. has been awarded a $9.2 million dollar contract for a bridge preservation project along US Highway 78 and Interstate 22 in DeSoto and Marshall Counties.
Work on the Red Banks road bridge is complete and the bridge is open to traffic.
The bridge deck and bearing pads have been replaced on the US 78 bridges over Bethel Road and work is complete except for epoxy repair.
All work on the Coldwater River bridge is complete and both lanes have been opened to traffic.
Bridge deck replacements and other structural repairs are progressing on the Interstate 22 bridges at West Holly Springs and at Interstate 22 and State Route 7 in Holly Springs.
Bridge replacement over the BNSF & MS Central Railroad Company
Talbot Brothers Inc. has been awarded a $5.2 million dollar contract for a bridge replacement on State Route 4, over the BNSF Railway and MS Central Railroad Company in Marshall County.
Contractors have removed all of the existing bridge and new test piles have been driven.
Work is expected to continue on bridge piling and structural work in the coming months.
DeSoto County News Service – News Release
