Considered a critical hurricane evacuation route, U.S. 49 serves Mississippi Gulf Coast residents and accommodates countless visitors to the area each year. Because of increasing traffic, a $50 million construction project is under way to widen the highway from O'Neal Road to north of School Road in Harrison County, Miss.
"Since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast 20 years ago, many coastal residents have relocated north of I-10," said Anna Ehrgott, public information officer, Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) southern transportation district told Construction Equipment Guide. "The U.S. 49 corridor north of this interstate is a booming area of residential growth. Also, Harrison Central High School is located just off U.S. 49 at the northern end of the widening project."
MDOT photo
The average daily traffic along this stretch of highway is approximately 25,000. Construction will expand the roadway from four to six lanes. The scope of work includes a continuous flow intersection (CFI) at State Route 53 and U.S. 49.
"The CFI, or displaced left-turn Intersection, is being constructed at U.S. 49 and State Route 53," said Ehrgott. "It represents one of the first intersections of its kind in the state. This is significant because it showcases our state's willingness to implement innovative, modern infrastructure design to ease congestion and improve traffic flow."
Additional lanes, turn lanes, outside shoulders and islands will be constructed first. Traffic will then be shifted to the new pavement while median curb, inside shoulders and median islands are built.
Ehrgott noted that motorists have not really had to make major adjustments to their schedules.
"Disruptions have been minimal. Both lanes of the highway will remain open to traffic throughout the duration of the project."
The new lane is being built along the outside of the existing four-lane highway. Barriers have been erected in the work zone to protect crews.
MDOT photo
"While all four lanes of highway should remain open to traffic throughout construction, the addition of the barriers tends to narrow available lane space, which can result in slower moving traffic," said Ehrgott. "However, traffic flow does not appear to be significantly impacted by the barriers."
Recent work has included paving on the new southbound lane. Crews also have focused on stone base placement, as well as earthwork to prepare for grassing. Once work is complete in the southbound lanes, the contractor will begin widening the northbound lanes.
Necaise Brothers of Gulfport serves as contractor on the project, which was selected as one of eight that were specifically funded through a supplemental appropriation from the Mississippi Legislature in 2024.
"Necaise Brothers is a locally owned construction company, located just a few miles away from the construction site," said Ehrgott. "Their proximity to the job site, as well as their reputation for quality work, makes them a good fit for the project, and saves taxpayer dollars."
Construction Equipment Guide asked project engineer Noah Pearson if the ongoing work had its share of issues.
"Many of the construction challenges on this job site stem from the type of soil present in the area, as well as drainage challenges resulting from a moisture-rich coastal climate," Pearson said. "Additional soil, or borrow, has been needed to correct soft spots, and field conditions have prompted a few changes to the original plans.
"Work has been concentrated on the southbound side, and once finished, crews will move to the northbound side. On the southbound side, drainage and earthwork have been completed, and most of the stone base is in place, with asphalt work ongoing. The stone is brought in with dump trucks and graded with motor graders and dozers."
MDOT photo
Drainage work on the northbound side and on SR 53 continues. Inlet installation and other drainage work has begun on the northbound side. Key remaining tasks include completing paving work on the southbound side and completing all widening work on the northbound side. Construction of the displaced left-turn intersection remains, along with signal installation.
Pearson said work needed to add the additional lanes includes clearing and grubbing in the right-of-way, removal and replacement of commercial driveways, erosion control efforts (silt fence, grassing, mulch, silt basins, etc.), traffic signal adjustments/upgrades, drainage work, earthwork, stone base installation and asphalt paving and permanent stripe. The entire project will receive a surface overlay once all additional lanes have been added.
Regarding excavation, due to highly expansive soils, more suitable material is required to achieve stabilization. Approximately 300,000 cu. yds. of material have been removed/brought in.
Main equipment on the project includes dump trucks/trailers, track hoes, bulldozers, vibratory steel wheel rollers and motor graders. The main materials required are B7-6 borrow, crushed stone, asphalt and concrete.
MDOT photo
Pearson acknowledged that Mississippi weather hasn't been as cooperative as crews would like.
"The wet months of summer made production challenging, while working to maintain proper erosion control."
The roadway expansion is expected to be finished later in 2026. Ehrgott said the increase in traffic capacity resulting from the additional travel lane means those who travel this route will typically be able to reach their destinations more quickly and efficiently.
"They will experience a smoother, safer drive with fewer delays and less congestion. The displaced left-turn intersection will optimize left-turning traffic at U.S. 49 and State Route 53, minimizing delays, especially at peak times, for the many residents for whom this intersection is part of the daily commute." CEG
