News Summary

Hattiesburg is undergoing major traffic improvements, including the addition of directional medians along U.S. 49 and the opening of new Hall Avenue overpasses. These enhancements are designed to improve traffic safety by reducing crashes and optimizing emergency response times. With the project completion expected by mid-August, local businesses hope for increased patronage as traffic flow improves. The modifications come in response to ongoing issues, including train delays and heavy congestion in downtown Hattiesburg.

Hattiesburg Construction Projects Aim to Enhance Traffic Safety and Efficiency

Hattiesburg, Mississippi is currently undergoing significant traffic improvements as construction on U.S. 49 remains in progress, along with the opening of the new Hall Avenue overpass. These enhancements aim to improve safety and efficiency for both residents and motorists in the area.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is in the final phase of a project that has resulted in the closure of one lane of traffic on U.S. 49 for several months. This project is specifically focused on adding six “directionalized” medians along U.S. 49, which runs adjacent to the University of Southern Mississippi between Fourth Street and Hardy Street. These medians are designed to reduce the frequency of crashes by controlling how drivers move at intersections. Instead of allowing motorists to cross all lanes of traffic, the medians will require right turns, thereby minimizing side-angle and T-bone accidents.

With completion expected by mid-August 2025, the project aligns with the return of students at Southern Miss. The total cost of this initiative is $2.1 million, funded through a combination of federal and state resources. Local businesses, such as the Harbor Bar & Grill, have reported a decrease in customers as a result of the ongoing construction, although management remains hopeful that traffic improvements will lead to a boost in patronage once the work is finalized.

Hall Avenue Overpasses Open for Use

In addition to the U.S. 49 improvements, the Hall Avenue East overpass is set to open following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This overpass aims to eliminate delays created by train traffic, which has previously posed challenges for those traveling through downtown Hattiesburg. Planning for the Hall Avenue overpasses began in 2019, but the project encountered delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising construction costs.

The Hall Avenue West overpass is being funded through use-tax revenue and federal grants, with a total project cost of $24 million. The Hall Avenue East overpass, which opened in November, has been named in honor of state Representative Percy Watson, while the West overpass will be dedicated to U.S. Senator Roger Wicker in recognition of his support for funding. Representative Mike Ezell played a crucial role in securing an additional $3 million for this project.

Impact on Local Traffic and Emergency Services

The construction of these overpasses and the enhancements to U.S. 49 are not only expected to improve general traffic flow but also optimize emergency response times in the area. Currently, there are 22 rail crossings in downtown Hattiesburg with no alternate routes in the event of a blockage, which can significantly hinder emergency service operations. The ongoing traffic congestion on I-59, particularly in the northbound lanes past the U.S. Hwy 98 exit, has been further complicated by an accident near Mississippi 42 and ongoing construction between Hattiesburg and Petal.

While all lanes on I-59 are now open, traffic remains heavily congested due to these factors. MDOT has advised drivers to consider alternate routes to avoid delays during peak congestion times, especially as accidents and construction sites create challenges for smooth transportation throughout the region.

As Hattiesburg continues to develop its infrastructure, residents and visitors alike hope that these ongoing projects will lead to safer and more efficient travel in the years to come.

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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

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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.