News Summary
Construction projects in Hattiesburg are enhancing traffic safety and flow, focusing on U.S. Highway 49 and downtown overpasses. These upgrades aim to reduce congestion and improve safety for drivers. The Mississippi Department of Transportation is implementing directional medians on U.S. 49, and the newly planned overpasses are set to significantly improve traffic management. Despite current disruptions, residents anticipate long-term benefits from these improvements.
Hattiesburg Traffic Improvements Underway with Construction on U.S. 49 and Downtown Overpasses
Hattiesburg, Mississippi — Construction projects aimed at improving traffic safety and flow are currently underway in Hattiesburg, focusing on U.S. Highway 49 and the downtown area’s overpasses. These improvements are expected to enhance driver safety, reduce congestion, and facilitate smoother movement through the city.
U.S. 49 Median and Lane Modifications
Crews from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) are completing the final phase of a project to install six “directionalized” medians along U.S. 49. The project involves shutting down one lane of traffic for several months, specifically on the stretch of U.S. 49 adjacent to the University of Southern Mississippi, between Fourth Street and Hardy Street. The purpose of these medians is to control driver movement at intersections, thereby reducing the likelihood of crashes.
The medians are designed to prevent motorists from crossing all four lanes of U.S. 49 at once, which often leads to side-angle and T-bone accidents. Instead, drivers will be required to make right turns, which simplifies traffic flow and enhances safety. The project aims to decrease crash rates and improve traffic safety in this busy corridor.
The entire project is scheduled for completion by mid-August 2025, aligning with the anticipated return of students to Southern Miss. The total cost of the project is approximately $2.1 million, funded through a combination of federal and state resources.
Impact on Local Businesses and Community
While the construction has caused some inconvenience, influencing local commerce, nearby businesses have reported a temporary decline in customer traffic. One such business, Harbor Bar & Grill, noted a decrease in customers during the construction period. Despite the challenges, the restaurant manager remains optimistic about future business once construction wraps up.
Residents, including local commuter Lele Parker, have expressed frustration over the cluttered traffic situation. However, many are also looking forward to the improved traffic flow and safer driving conditions that the project is expected to deliver.
Downtown Overpasses: Planning and Opening
Concurrently, the city is celebrating the upcoming opening of the Hall Avenue East overpass. This structure is set to open after a ribbon-cutting event scheduled for a Wednesday morning and aims to address delays caused by frequent train crossings in downtown Hattiesburg.
The planning for the Hall Avenue overpasses began in 2019, but construction faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs. The project budget was approximately $24 million, funded through use-tax revenue and federal grants. The Hall Avenue East overpass opened in November and is named after state Representative Percy Watson, while the West overpass will be named after U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, recognizing his support and funding efforts. Notably, U.S. Representative Mike Ezell helped in securing an additional $3 million needed for the project.
The new overpasses are expected to significantly improve traffic management and emergency response times. Currently, the downtown area features 22 rail crossings without alternative routes, which causes delays when trains pass through. The new overpasses will help eliminate these issues.
Current Traffic Conditions and Other Disruptions
In addition to construction projects, traffic congestion is intensifying on I-59, especially in the northbound lanes past the U.S. Highway 98 exit, due to a recent crash. While all lanes are open, ongoing construction between Hattiesburg and Petal has exacerbated delays. An accident near Mississippi 42/Evelyn Gandy Parkway has further impacted the flow of traffic in that area.
Prior to the recent collision, construction had already narrowed I-59 southbound to one lane between the Bouie River bridge and the U.S. 49 overpass, leading to significant congestion. MDOT advises drivers to consider alternative routes to avoid delays during this busy period.
Summary
Overall, the construction projects in Hattiesburg focus on long-term improvements in traffic safety and efficiency, including the installation of directional medians on U.S. 49 and new overpasses in downtown. Although there is a temporary decline in business and some congestion currently, local officials and residents anticipate these developments will greatly benefit roadway safety and commute times once completed and operational.
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HERE Resources
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
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