U.S. 49 Construction Project Aims to Enhance Traffic Safety

News Summary

Construction on U.S. 49 has closed one lane for several months as part of a $2.1 million project to improve safety and traffic efficiency. The Mississippi Department of Transportation is installing directional medians to reduce crashes at intersections. This project, adjacent to the University of Southern Mississippi, is expected to be completed by mid-August 2025. Additionally, the Hall Avenue East overpass is set to open, alleviating delays caused by trains in downtown Hattiesburg, with significant financial backing from state and federal resources.

Hattiesburg – Ongoing construction on U.S. 49 has closed one lane of traffic for several months as part of a $2.1 million project aimed at enhancing safety and traffic efficiency. Crews from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) are currently in the final phase of installing six “directionalized” medians designed to reduce crashes by better controlling driver movement at intersections.

This construction site is located adjacent to the University of Southern Mississippi, specifically between Fourth Street and Hardy Street. By implementing these medians, the project intends to prevent motorists from crossing all four lanes of U.S. 49 simultaneously, which will require drivers to make right turns only. This adjustment is expected to minimize the risk of side-angle and T-bone accidents.

The project is scheduled for completion by mid-August 2025, coinciding with the start of the new school year at Southern Miss. The funding for this initiative is a combination of federal and state resources. Local businesses near the construction zone, such as the Harbor Bar & Grill, have expressed concerns over a reported decrease in customer traffic during the construction period. However, restaurant managers remain hopeful for an uptick in business once the improvements are finalized.

In addition to the alterations on U.S. 49, the Hall Avenue East overpass is set to officially open following a ribbon-cutting event. This overpass aims to alleviate delays often caused by trains in downtown Hattiesburg. Construction on the Hall Avenue overpasses has been in planning since 2019 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing costs.

The total cost of the Hall Avenue projects reached $24 million, financed through use-tax revenue and federal grants. The East Hall Avenue overpass, opened in November, was named after state Representative Percy Watson. The West Hall Avenue overpass will be named in honor of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, recognizing his support and funding contributions to the project. Additionally, Representative Mike Ezell played a crucial role in securing the last $3 million necessary for completion.

The improvements to Hall Avenue are expected to enhance traffic flow and emergency response times in the area. Currently, there are 22 railroad crossings in downtown Hattiesburg without alternate routes, which can impede emergency services when blocked. Ongoing construction on I-59 is another point of concern for motorists, particularly in the heavily congested northbound lanes past U.S. Hwy 98. A recent accident near Mississippi 42/Evelyn Gandy Parkway further exacerbated the situation, although all lanes on I-59 remain open.

Prior to the accident, construction had already narrowed I-59 south to one lane between the Bouie River bridge and the U.S. 49 overpass, causing significant traffic delays. In light of these congested conditions, MDOT has advised drivers to consider alternative routes to avoid further delays.

As the U.S. 49 and Hall Avenue projects progress, residents look ahead to improved traffic flow and safer driving conditions, which they hope will come to fruition with the completion of these crucial infrastructure enhancements.

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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