News Summary

Hattiesburg is facing major traffic disruptions as construction on U.S. 49 and the downtown area continues. The Mississippi Department of Transportation is finalizing a safety enhancement project, including directionalized medians to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. Local businesses report a decline in customers, while residents express hope for better traffic conditions. Additionally, the Hall Avenue East overpass is nearing completion to alleviate delays caused by train crossings. However, traffic congestion on I-59 remains a significant challenge for motorists.

Hattiesburg

Extensive construction on U.S. 49 and the downtown area of Hattiesburg is currently causing significant traffic disruptions. One lane of U.S. 49 has been closed for several months as crews from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) work on the final phase of a traffic safety improvement project. The project includes the installation of six directionalized medians along a segment of U.S. 49 situated next to the University of Southern Mississippi, between Fourth Street and Hardy Street. These medians aim to mitigate crashes by controlling how drivers navigate intersections, ultimately promoting safer driving conditions.

Local residents, including Lele Parker, have expressed frustration over the current traffic situation. As the construction progresses, many are hopeful the changes will result in improved traffic flow. The project is designed to prevent motorists from crossing all four lanes of U.S. 49 simultaneously, instead requiring right turns to limit the potential for side-angle and T-bone accidents. The anticipated completion date for this project is mid-August 2025, strategically aligned with the return of students for the upcoming academic year.

The total cost for this safety enhancement project is estimated at $2.1 million, with funding sourced from a combination of federal and state funds. Local businesses have reported challenges during this period, including a notable decline in customer traffic. For instance, the Harbor Bar & Grill has noted lower patronage during the construction work, although its manager remains optimistic that business will improve once the project is fully completed.

In tandem with the U.S. 49 construction, the Hall Avenue East overpass in downtown Hattiesburg is also nearing completion and is set to open following a ribbon-cutting event on Wednesday morning. This new overpass is intended to alleviate delays caused by train crossings, which have posed challenges for motorists and emergency services alike. The planning phase for these overpasses began in 2019 but was hampered by setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing project costs.

The total cost for the Hall Avenue west overpass is roughly $24 million. Funding was secured through use-tax revenue and federal grants. The Hall Avenue East overpass, which opened in November, has been dedicated to state Representative Percy Watson, while the Hall Avenue West overpass will be named in honor of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker for his contributions and funding support. Representative Mike Ezell played a crucial role in securing the final $3 million needed for the overpass project.

The construction of the Hall Avenue overpasses is projected to significantly improve local traffic conditions, particularly for emergency response times. Currently, there are 22 rail crossings within the downtown area that do not offer alternative routes if blocked by trains, which can severely impact emergency services.

Meanwhile, traffic congestion continues to be a pressing issue on I-59, particularly in the northbound lanes past the U.S. Hwy 98 exit, which are exacerbated by ongoing construction and an accident near Mississippi 42/Evelyn Gandy Parkway that further hinders traffic flow. Although all lanes on I-59 are currently open, the construction between Hattiesburg and Petal has narrowed the southbound lanes to one lane between the Bouie River bridge and the U.S. 49 overpass. MDOT has advised motorists to seek alternative routes when possible due to heavy congestion in the area.

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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

Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER

INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.