News Summary
Hattiesburg is currently undergoing significant construction projects aimed at improving traffic safety and flow. The Mississippi Department of Transportation is installing new medians along U.S. Highway 49, while the Hall Avenue East overpass is set to open to alleviate delays caused by train crossings. These developments, which include a total investment of approximately $26 million, are expected to reduce congestion and enhance emergency response times in the busy city center.
Hattiesburg, Mississippi — Construction Projects Aim to Improve Traffic Safety and Flow
Construction activities in Hattiesburg are currently impacting traffic along key routes, with ongoing efforts to enhance safety and reduce congestion in the city center. These initiatives include the installation of new medians on U.S. Highway 49 and the opening of the Hall Avenue East overpass, both designed to improve traffic management and safety for drivers and pedestrians.
U.S. 49 Median Installation and Traffic Disruptions
Crews from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) are working on the final phase of a project involving the installation of six “directionalized” medians along U.S. Highway 49, a major north-south corridor passing through Hattiesburg. Currently, one lane of traffic on U.S. 49 has been shut down for several months. The construction site is situated adjacent to the University of Southern Mississippi, between Fourth Street and Hardy Street.
The primary goal of these medians is to reduce traffic crashes by controlling driver movement at busy intersections. This is achieved by preventing motorists from crossing all four lanes of U.S. 49 at once, requiring right turns when navigating through the area. The design aims to minimize side-angle and T-bone accidents, which are common in high-volume intersections. The project is moving toward completion by mid-August 2025, aligning with the university’s return schedule for students.
The total cost of the median project is approximately $2.1 million, funded through a combination of federal and state dollars. Despite the safety benefits, some local businesses, such as the Harbor Bar & Grill, have reported a decline in customer traffic amid the construction disruptions. Business manager Delovitt Rogers remains optimistic that consumer activity will rebound once the project concludes.
Improving Mobility with the Hall Avenue Overpasses
Another significant development is the opening of the Hall Avenue East overpass, scheduled to open after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on a Wednesday morning. This new overpass is designed to eliminate delays caused by frequent train crossings in downtown Hattiesburg, which have historically caused traffic congestion and frustration. The project, which began planning in 2019, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing construction costs. The total investment for both east and west Hall Avenue overpasses is $24 million, with funding sourced from local use-tax revenue and federal grants.
The Hall Avenue East overpass was opened in November and has been named in honor of state Representative Percy Watson. The Hall Avenue West overpass will bear the name of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, who has been instrumental in supporting the project’s funding efforts. U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell also contributed by helping secure an additional $3 million for the project’s completion.
The construction of these overpasses is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and emergency response times in downtown Hattiesburg. Currently, there are 22 rail crossings in the area without alternative routes, which can cause significant delays when trains block crossings, especially for emergency vehicles.
Current Traffic Conditions and Alternative Routes
Traffic officials report heavy congestion on I-59, especially in the northbound lanes beyond the U.S. Hwy 98 exit, due to a recent crash and ongoing construction activities between Hattiesburg and Petal. All lanes of I-59 are open; however, delays are exacerbated by construction narrowing lanes and an accident near Mississippi 42/Evelyn Gandy Parkway.
Prior to the recent accident, I-59 had already been reduced to a single lane south of the Bouie River bridge. MDOT advises drivers to consider alternative routes to avoid delays and congestion while construction and incident responses are ongoing.
Summary of Key Developments
- Construction on U.S. 49 includes installing six directional medians to improve intersection safety, expected to finish by mid-2025 at a cost of $2.1 million.
- The Hall Avenue East overpass will open soon, aimed at reducing train-related delays in downtown Hattiesburg, with a combined project cost of $24 million for both overpasses.
- Additional measures, including new overpasses and traffic control features, are expected to ease congestion, especially during peak hours and emergency situations.
- Current traffic disruptions, including lane closures on I-59 and incidents, have led officials to recommend alternative routing for commuters.
City officials and transportation agencies continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the importance of these improvements for long-term safety, traffic efficiency, and community growth in Hattiesburg.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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