“These projects are a major investment into our infrastructure and show your tax dollars at work,” Simmons said. “As these projects move forward, safety and mobility will increase for all central Mississippi traffic.”
At Site 1, the bridge widening phase of the I-20/59 bridges over SR 19/39 is complete and the lowering of the SR 19/39 route beneath I-20/59, with the exception of the final asphalt lift, is complete. Crews are preparing for final paving operations.
At Site 2, the existing bridges have been removed and the area has been reconstructed using roadway fill. Crews are repairing underlying concrete sections and preparing for final paving operations.
At Site 3, the bridge widening, roadway widening, slope paving, and slope filling is complete. Crews are preparing to place the final lift of asphalt.
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The roadway lighting system upgrade portions of the project are also nearly complete. All seven circuits of the lighting system have been completed and are operational. Only minor cleanup work remains.
“We appreciate Meridian-area drivers being patient and allowing our crews to get this design-build project done so quickly,” Simmons said. “This project will further enhance safety and mobility for motorists and commercial traffic on the vital route through Meridian.”
The $24.4 million design-build project was awarded to Key Construction Company of Madison. The project will wrap up early this summer.
“We understand having this bridge closed has caused some inconvenience for residents and local traffic. That said, safety is the priority when it comes to infrastructure projects, and the replacement of the bridge is no exception,” Simmons said. “Crews are making great progress and will continue working as quickly and efficiently as possible. Residents, drivers, and the business community can rest assured knowing they will soon have a safer, bigger, and more reliable bridge to travel for a very long time.”
The nearly $3 million project was awarded to St-Bil Grading, Inc. of Waterford. SR 18 is on track to reopen by the end of 2023, and the remainder of the project is scheduled to be completed spring 2024.
Work in progress includes grading and paving the two new lanes, box culvert construction, and other work items. The second phase of work consists of rehabilitating portions of the existing SR 19 and reconstructing other areas that require new cross drains and box culverts. The third phase will place traffic in the four-lane configuration, place the final lift of asphalt, and provide permanent striping.
“With a steady increase in traffic, this stretch of roadway being expanded to four lanes with a new grade will offer smoother riding conditions for all traffic, from commuters and school traffic to commercial traffic,” Simmons said. “SR 19 in Neshoba County will be a safer and less congested route next year.”
The $36 million contract was awarded to W.G. Yates and Sons Construction of Philadelphia. The project is expected to wrap up in 2024.
Remaining work is expected to wrap up by summer 2023. The $7.6 million project was awarded to APAC-Mississippi of Jackson.
The nearly $8 million project was awarded to Superior Asphalt, Inc. of Byram. Work will wrap up this summer.
The $5.5 million project was awarded to APAC. The expected completion date is fall 2023.
