JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Many construction projects are underway in the Capital City and throughout the Metro, and while traffic congestion is still an issue, especially on I-55, those projects are nearing completion.

Starting with the major bridge preservation project on I-55, where MDOT officials say they are about halfway done with the work.

That project consists of repairing and preserving features of the I-20 East to I-55 North ramp and both I-55 bridges over the Pearl River.

“It’s a major construction project so it’s kind of a day-to-day thing on the timeline, but right now, as long as we don’t have any severe weather delays or any major hiccups or anything like that, we are on track to have it wrapped up by the fall,” Michael Flood, MDOT Public Information Officer, said.

For some Jackson residents, they just hope the work is done as soon as possible.

“This time of day is always crowded. You got people going back and forth to the three hospitals, or four if you include Baptist. Five, if you include St. Dominic, so it’s a lot of traffic. You just have to deal with it, that’s Jackson,” Timothy Pugh said.

“Realistically, what can you do about it? The understanding is the timeline has been extended, and obviously it’s a frustrating situation, but I mean, just work with it and take it slow and hopefully eventually they will get it done,” Brian Conaway said.

Next is the bridge rehabilitation project on Highway 80. Demolition is complete on the bridge, and now, crews are placing the hybrid polymer concrete overlay on the remainder of the bridge.

Lastly, the newest project is electrical repairs to the lighting system on I-55 and I-20.

“We’re making electrical repairs and upgrades to the lighting system on I-20 from 55 to highway 18 and then on I-55 from I-20 to the Rankin County Line. That is going to include repairing the current lighting system that is in place right now, we are going to upgrade those lights to LEDs,” Flood said.

Both the Highway 80 bridge project and lighting repairs are scheduled to be complete by the fall.

Click here for more information on these projects and detours. Updates can also be found on MDOT’s social media accounts.

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