Hattiesburg, August 1, 2025

News Summary

Construction on U.S. 49 and the Downtown Hattiesburg overpasses is causing traffic delays while aiming to improve safety and efficiency. The project includes the installation of directionalized medians to control driver movement, which is expected to reduce crashes. Additionally, the Hall Avenue overpass will help alleviate delays from frequent train crossings. Though local businesses report reduced customer numbers during the construction, optimism remains for a recovery once the improvements are complete.

Hattiesburg

Construction on U.S. 49 and the Downtown Hattiesburg overpasses is currently causing traffic disruptions aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency. One lane of U.S. 49 has been shut down for several months as crews from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) work on the final phase of installing six directionalized medians designed to improve driver control at intersections.

This construction site, located near the University of Southern Mississippi between Fourth Street and Hardy Street, is part of a $2.1 million project funded through a combination of federal and state resources. The primary goal of the newly installed medians is to reduce crashes by prohibiting drivers from crossing all four lanes of U.S. 49 at once. Instead, motorists will be required to make right turns, significantly decreasing the likelihood of side-angle and T-bone accidents.

The project is anticipated to be completed by mid-August 2025, conveniently aligning with the return of students to Southern Miss. Several local businesses, including the Harbor Bar & Grill, have reported a drop in customer numbers during the construction period, but optimism remains high for a business rebound once the improvements are finalized.

In addition to the U.S. 49 renovations, the Hall Avenue East overpass is scheduled to open on a Wednesday morning following a much-anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony. This overpass is expected to alleviate delays caused by frequent train crossings in downtown Hattiesburg, which currently has 22 rail crossings with no alternate routes if blocked, significantly affecting emergency vehicle access.

Planning for the Hall Avenue overpasses initiated in 2019, but the timeline was pushed back due to complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and increased material costs. The construction of the west Hall Avenue overpass amounted to $24 million and was financially supported by use-tax revenues and federal grants. The opening of the Hall Avenue East overpass took place in November, named after state Representative Percy Watson. The Hall Avenue West overpass is designated to honor U.S. Senator Roger Wicker for his advocacy and financial support for the project, with Rep. Mike Ezell instrumental in securing the last $3 million needed for its completion.

The construction of both overpasses is projected to address traffic congestion and improve emergency response times, addressing challenges faced on I-59, particularly in the northbound lanes near the U.S. Hwy 98 exit due to an accident, exacerbating the already congested conditions. While all lanes on I-59 are open, the ongoing construction between Hattiesburg and Petal has further complicated traffic flow, prompting MDOT to advise drivers to seek alternative routes.

Key Construction Features

• U.S. 49 improvements to include six directionalized medians to enhance traffic safety.
• Hall Avenue overpass construction aimed at reducing train-related delays.
• Total project cost estimated at $2.1 million for U.S. 49 improvements.
• Hall Avenue overpass project cost at $24 million, supported by state and federal funding.
• Planned completion of U.S. 49 changes by mid-August 2025.

FAQs

Key Features at a Glance

Feature	Description
U.S. 49 Medians	Installation of six directionalized medians to improve traffic movement and safety.
Hall Avenue East Overpass	Aims to eliminate delays caused by train crossings in downtown Hattiesburg.
Project Costs	$2.1 million for U.S. 49; $24 million for Hall Avenue Overpasses.
Completion Timeline	U.S. 49 changes expected by mid-August 2025; Hall Avenue Overpasses completed.

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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