Below is a press release from the Mississippi Economic Council:
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) elaborated on several critical pavement rehabilitation projects in central Mississippi at a recent Mississippi Transportation Commission meeting.
In Rankin County, a pavement project will provide the mill and overlay of 9.2 miles of U.S. Highway 49. The scope of work also includes repairing failed areas, releveling underlying concrete pavement with pressure grouting methods, widening of turn lanes at Star Road, and upgrading any deficient guardrail.
Over the years, this stretch of U.S. 49 has endured the effects of heavy traffic, weather, and wear-and-tear, along with a steady increase in traffic. Once complete, the pavement rehabilitation project will improve safety for all road users, enhance travel efficiency on the U.S. 49 corridor, reduce maintenance costs and increase economic development opportunities.
In Hinds County, the pavement rehabilitation project let this morning calls for the mill and overlay of 11 miles of State Route 27 from the Copiah County line to State Route 18. For decades, this highway has seen steady and compounding heavy-duty truck traffic.
The SR 27 project will also include failed area repairs, drainage pipe repairs, the replacement of deficient traffic signs and guardrail upgrades. Central Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons says the department is excited to get both projects underway.
“There is an increase in traffic on U.S. 49 between Florence and the Simpson County line, and it is a rough ride. We’re going to fix that,” said Simmons. “In Hinds County, we’ve let a project on Highway 27, another heavily traveled corridor by log trucks and other commercial vehicles, that will provide the same kind of improvement, making it a safer and smoother ride for citizens in the area.”
The $11.4 million U.S. 49 mill and overlay contract was awarded to APAC-Mississippi, Inc. of Jackson. Work will begin this month and the anticipated completion date is spring 2025.
“We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve our transportation network for the benefit of all,” said Simmons. “We look forward to completing these projects that will contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of our communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
The $4.7 million SR 27 mill and overlay contract was also awarded to APAC-Mississippi, Inc. Work will get underway next month and the project is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2024.
Highway work zones are meant to protect the traveling public and the highway workers on the side of the road. Highway work zones can be found throughout the state and often present unfamiliar traffic conditions. Examples of common work zones found on Mississippi highways and a complete list of tips can be found at GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.
