News Summary
Ongoing construction on U.S. 49 in Hattiesburg is causing significant traffic disruptions and lane closures. The project aims to enhance safety with new medians and is expected to be completed by mid-August. Local businesses have reported a decline in customer traffic, but many hope for improvements once construction concludes.
Hattiesburg, MS – Ongoing construction on U.S. 49 is causing significant traffic disruptions and lane closures as crews from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) work to enhance safety and efficiency in the area. The project, which aims to install six directionalized medians, has shut down one lane of traffic for several months, leading to frustrations among local residents and businesses.
The construction zone is situated between Fourth Street and Hardy Street, adjacent to the University of Southern Mississippi. The directionalized medians are designed to reduce the frequency of crashes by controlling driver movements at intersections. This strategy prevents motorists from crossing all four lanes of U.S. 49 at once, enforcing right turns instead to mitigate the risks of side-angle and T-bone accidents. The project’s completion is anticipated by mid-August 2025, which aligns with the return of students to Southern Miss for the new academic year. The total investment in this safety initiative amounts to $2.1 million, funded through a combination of federal and state resources.
During the construction phase, nearby businesses have reported a noticeable decline in customer traffic. For example, the Harbor Bar & Grill has felt the impact, though the restaurant’s management remains hopeful about an uptick in business once the project wraps up. Local residents, including those frustrated by the current congestion, believe the enhancements will lead to better traffic flow and safer driving conditions in the long run.
In addition to the changes along U.S. 49, the Hall Avenue east overpass is set to open following a ribbon-cutting event. This overpass is specifically designed to alleviate delays caused by freight trains in downtown Hattiesburg. The planning of the Hall Avenue overpasses began in 2019; however, construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and unexpected increases in construction costs.
The Hall Avenue west overpass project, which costs $24 million, is funded through a mix of use-tax revenue and federal grants. This new infrastructure aims to significantly improve traffic and emergency response times across the region. There are currently 22 rail crossings in the downtown area without alternate routes, making it challenging for emergency services to respond quickly when trains block these crossings.
The Hall Avenue East overpass opened in November and has been named in honor of state Representative Percy Watson for his contributions to the project. The west overpass will bear the name of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, in recognition of his support and dedication to securing funding for these critical infrastructure improvements. Representative Mike Ezell played a key role in finalizing the last $3 million necessary for the completion of the overpass project.
As the construction activities on U.S. 49 continue, traffic conditions in Hattiesburg remain strained. Reports indicate heavy congestion on I-59, particularly in the northbound lanes past the U.S. Hwy 98 exit, primarily because of ongoing construction efforts between Hattiesburg and Petal. An incident involving an accident near Mississippi 42/Evelyn Gandy Parkway had previously added to traffic woes in the area earlier in the day. Although all lanes on I-59 have been reopened, the congestion problem is being further complicated by the ongoing construction and the recent accident.
MDOT has advised drivers to explore alternative routes to avoid the congested areas and to remain patient during this period of construction. As improvements are made to U.S. 49 and the surrounding infrastructure, local residents and commuters alike are hopeful for a future of safer and more efficient travel.
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Additional Resources
- WDAM: US49 Construction Project Near USM Close to Completion
- Wikipedia: Traffic Management
- Hattiesburg American: New Hattiesburg Overpass Sidesteps Train Delays
- Google Search: Hattiesburg traffic construction
- WDAM: Crash Adds to Heavy Congestion I-59 North Hattiesburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- WDAM: I-59 Traffic Snarled by Construction, Reported Wreck
- Google News: Hattiesburg construction projects
