News Summary
Ongoing construction on U.S. 49 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi aims to improve traffic safety and efficiency by installing directionalized medians. The project, which has closed one lane for several months, is expected to reduce vehicle crashes and enhance traffic flow, particularly near the University of Southern Mississippi. The $2.1 million infrastructure improvement is scheduled for completion by mid-August 2025, while the Hall Avenue overpasses are also set to alleviate traffic delays caused by trains. Despite some disruptions, the community remains hopeful for improved conditions.
Hattiesburg Construction Aims to Alleviate Traffic Issues
Hattiesburg, Mississippi—Ongoing construction on U.S. 49 has resulted in the closure of one lane for several months as crews work on a significant project to enhance traffic safety and efficiency. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is currently implementing the final phase of a plan that includes the installation of six “directionalized” medians along U.S. 49. This project, which commenced in earnest recently, is located adjacent to the University of Southern Mississippi, specifically between Fourth Street and Hardy Street.
The primary goal of these new medians is to reduce vehicle crashes by regulating driver movement at intersections. With the implementation of these medians, motorists will no longer be able to make direct crossings across all four lanes of U.S. 49 simultaneously. Instead, they will be required to turn right, thereby minimizing potential side-angle and T-bone accidents. The ambitious project is scheduled for completion by mid-August 2025, coinciding with the return of students to Southern Miss.
The total cost for this major infrastructure project is estimated at $2.1 million, which has been funded through a combination of federal and state allocations. Local businesses such as the Harbor Bar & Grill have experienced a decline in visitors during the ongoing construction phase. However, management remains hopeful for a business rebound once the improvements are finalized.
Impact on Local Businesses and Residents
Local resident Lele Parker expressed frustration with the current traffic situation, noting that the ongoing construction has added to congestion that affects daily commutes. Despite the immediate inconveniences, many residents share a common sentiment of optimism for improved traffic flow and safer driving conditions in the future.
Hall Avenue Overpasses to Further Improve Traffic
In addition to the U.S. 49 project, the Hall Avenue East overpass in downtown Hattiesburg is also set to create a positive impact on traffic in the area. The opening of this overpass, highlighted by a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, is designed to alleviate delays frequently caused by trains, further enhancing transportation efficiency. While planning for the Hall Avenue overpasses initiated in 2019, construction faced delays attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased material costs.
The construction of the west Hall Avenue overpass, which will be named after U.S. Senator Roger Wicker due to his support and funding contributions, came at a cost of $24 million. Funding for this project involved use-tax revenue and federal grants, with the last $3 million being secured through the efforts of state Representative Mike Ezell.
The Hall Avenue East overpass, dedicated to state Representative Percy Watson, opened in November. These overpasses are expected not only to enhance traffic flow but also to significantly improve emergency response times, as there are currently 22 rail crossings in the downtown area without alternative routes when blocked by trains.
Current Traffic Conditions
Meanwhile, traffic congestion has intensified along I-59, especially in the northbound lanes past the U.S. Hwy 98 exit due to a recent crash. Although all lanes on I-59 are currently open, ongoing construction between Hattiesburg and Petal continues to exacerbate traffic delays. An additional accident near the Mississippi 42/Evelyn Gandy Parkway has further complicated the flow of traffic in the region.
Prior to this accident, construction on I-59 had already confined traffic to one lane between the Bouie River bridge and U.S. 49 overpass. Drivers are advised by MDOT to seek alternative routes to avoid the congested conditions that are impacting travel times.
As Hattiesburg navigates through these construction challenges, the community looks forward to the anticipated improvements that will enhance safety and efficiency on the roadways.
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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
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