Hattiesburg, August 1, 2025
News Summary
Hattiesburg is undertaking significant construction to enhance traffic safety on U.S. 49, part of a $2.1 million project by MDOT. The initiative, which includes the installation of directional medians, aims to reduce accidents at intersections. Additionally, the Hall Avenue East overpass project is nearing completion, designed to alleviate delays caused by train crossings. Local businesses and residents are hopeful for improved traffic flow as these projects progress towards their anticipated completion dates.
Hattiesburg Begins Critical Traffic Safety Construction
Hattiesburg’s downtown area and U.S. 49 are undergoing significant construction aimed at enhancing traffic safety and efficiency. As part of a $2.1 million project being implemented by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), one lane of traffic on U.S. 49 has been shut down for several months while crews work to install six directionalized medians. This initiative is expected to be completed by mid-August 2025, just in time for the return of students to the University of Southern Mississippi.
The recently closed lane on U.S. 49 is located between Fourth Street and Hardy Street, adjacent to the university. The purpose of the directional medians is to minimize accidents at intersections by controlling how drivers move. This will prevent motorists from crossing all four lanes at once, mandating right turns instead to reduce the likelihood of side-angle and T-bone crashes.
Local residents have expressed their frustration with the current traffic situation. Many, including resident Lele Parker, have reported a cluttered roadway due to construction activities. Nearby businesses, such as the Harbor Bar & Grill, have also felt the impact, experiencing a decline in customer traffic during this time. However, restaurant manager Delovitt Rogers remains optimistic that business will improve once the project is finished.
Overpass Developments in Downtown Hattiesburg
In addition to the U.S. 49 construction, an essential overpass project is also reaching completion with the Hall Avenue East overpass set to open after a Wednesday morning ribbon-cutting event. This overpass aims to eliminate delays caused by trains in downtown Hattiesburg. After years of planning that began in 2019, construction faced numerous setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs.
The Hall Avenue East overpass project, which cost $24 million, has been funded through a combination of use-tax revenue and federal grants. The overpass is named after state Representative Percy Watson, and another overpass, the Hall Avenue West, is set to be named after U.S. Senator Roger Wicker in recognition of his support for the project. Representative Mike Ezell played a crucial role in securing the final $3 million needed for its completion.
Once operational, the Hall Avenue overpasses are expected to significantly improve traffic flow and emergency response times, particularly due to the 22 rail crossings in the downtown area that lack alternate paths if blocked by trains.
Current Traffic Congestion and Warnings
As the city continues to navigate through these construction projects, localized traffic congestion has been a growing concern. The stretch of I-59 is currently densely packed, particularly in the northbound lanes past the U.S. Highway 98 exit, which has been exacerbated by ongoing construction between Hattiesburg and Petal. A recent accident near Mississippi 42/Evelyn Gandy Parkway further complicated traffic flow in the area, although all lanes on I-59 remain open.
MDOT has issued warnings for travelers to consider alternative routes during this period of heightened congestion, especially due to the construction project that has narrowed I-59 south to one lane between the Bouie River bridge and the U.S. 49 overpass.
Conclusion
The construction efforts on U.S. 49 and the Hall Avenue overpass projects represent significant steps toward improved traffic safety, with the goal of ultimately fostering a safer driving environment for Hattiesburg residents and visitors alike. As completion dates approach, local businesses and citizens remain hopeful for enhanced traffic flow and fewer accidents in the future.
FAQ
What is the main purpose of the construction on U.S. 49?
The main goal is to enhance traffic safety by installing directionalized medians to control driver movement at intersections.
How long will the construction on U.S. 49 take?
The project is expected to be completed by mid-August 2025.
What is the cost of the U.S. 49 construction project?
The total cost of the project is $2.1 million, funded through federal and state money.
How will the Hall Avenue overpasses improve traffic flow?
The Hall Avenue overpasses will eliminate delays caused by trains and improve emergency response times by providing alternate routes for emergency services.
What issues are currently affecting traffic in the Hattiesburg area?
Traffic congestion is affected by both the ongoing construction projects and recent accidents on I-59.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Construction on U.S. 49 and Hall Avenue Overpasses |
| Project Cost | $2.1 million |
| Completion Date | Mid-August 2025 |
| Purpose | Enhance traffic safety and efficiency |
| Key Stakeholders | Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), local businesses, residents |
| Impact | Reduced accidents and improved traffic flow |
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
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
