Hattiesburg, August 1, 2025
News Summary
Construction on U.S. 49 is underway in Hattiesburg, causing traffic congestion due to a lane reduction. The Mississippi Department of Transportation is installing six directionalized medians to enhance safety and improve traffic flow. Local businesses report decreased customer traffic during the construction, which is slated for completion by mid-August 2025. Additionally, the Hall Avenue overpass is set to improve emergency response times and eliminate delays from train crossings. MDOT advises drivers to seek alternative routes amid ongoing projects.
Hattiesburg
Construction on U.S. 49 has led to a significant lane reduction, causing traffic congestion as crews from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) work on improving safety and traffic efficiency in the area. This phase of the project involves the installation of six “directionalized” medians on U.S. 49, aimed at reducing crashes by controlling driver movements at intersections.
The construction site is situated between Fourth Street and Hardy Street, adjacent to the University of Southern Mississippi. The primary goal of these medians is to prevent motorists from crossing all four lanes of U.S. 49 at once, which reduces the risk of side-angle and T-bone accidents, requiring drivers to make right turns instead. This construction is projected to be completed by mid-August 2025, aligning with the return of Southern Miss students, and carries a total estimated cost of $2.1 million, funded through a combination of federal and state resources.
Local businesses are feeling the impact of the ongoing construction, with establishments like the Harbor Bar & Grill reporting a decline in customer traffic during this time. However, the restaurant manager remains optimistic about a recovery once the construction is concluded. Many residents, including Lele Parker, express frustration over the current state of traffic but look forward to improved flow and safer driving conditions once the project is completed.
Hall Avenue Overpass Developments
In addition to the work on U.S. 49, the Hall Avenue East overpass is scheduled to open following a ribbon-cutting event on Wednesday morning. This overpass is specifically designed to eliminate delays caused by train crossings in downtown Hattiesburg, which can significantly hinder traffic flow.
Planning for the Hall Avenue overpasses initiated in 2019, but construction faced disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs. The completed west Hall Avenue overpass represents an investment of $24 million, funded by use-tax revenue and federal grants. The Hall Avenue East overpass, named after state Rep. Percy Watson, opened in November, while the west overpass will be named in honor of U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker for his support in securing funding for the project.
This initiative is not only expected to enhance general traffic flow but also improve emergency response times in a region with 22 rail crossings. Many of these crossings lack alternate paths for emergency services, particularly when train blockages occur. Current traffic conditions are notably congested on I-59 as well, especially in northbound lanes past the U.S. Hwy 98 exit, worsened by a crash and ongoing construction between Hattiesburg and Petal. Although all I-59 lanes are operational, inconveniences persist as traffic has already been narrowed in specific zones due to construction work.
MDOT has recommended that drivers seek alternative routes to avoid the congested areas, particularly over the next several months as multiple projects are underway, directly affecting travel times for motorists in Hattiesburg.
Summary of Key Features
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| U.S. 49 Construction | Installation of six directionalized medians to improve safety; completion expected by August 2025; total cost $2.1 million. |
| Hall Avenue East Overpass | Aim to eliminate delays from train crossings; opened in November 2023; named after Rep. Percy Watson. |
| Hall Avenue West Overpass | Cost $24 million; named after Sen. Roger Wicker; improves emergency response access. |
| Traffic Conditions | Ongoing congestion on I-59; MDOT recommends alternative routes; multiple construction impacts travel times. |
FAQ Section
What is the main purpose of the construction on U.S. 49?
The construction aims to enhance traffic safety by installing directionalized medians, which will help prevent accidents by managing how vehicles turn at intersections.
When is the U.S. 49 construction expected to be completed?
The project is projected to be completed by mid-August 2025.
What recent developments occurred with the Hall Avenue overpasses?
The Hall Avenue East overpass is set to open shortly, and the West overpass will be named in honor of U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker due to his support for the project.
How is local traffic affected during the construction?
Traffic has become notably congested, particularly due to lane reductions on I-59 and other construction sites, prompting MDOT to recommend alternative routes for drivers.
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
