Last year was one of the most significant for the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). In the 2025 session, a sweeping tax reform law passed the Mississippi Legislature, and with it came an increase in the gas tax, a primary source of funding for MDOT.
Funding from the gas tax is expected to add millions to the agency's budget. It will help offset rising costs and better equip the department to maintain and build upon the state's investment in infrastructure.
Due to increased appropriations in recent years, major projects are under way in each region of the state to increase traffic capacity, make safety upgrades and modernize infrastructure.
One of the most significant of these projects kicked off in Tippah County in August when officials broke ground on the "Ripley Bypass." This $195 million project will widen and construct 10.5 mi. of State Route 15 from Union County to Ripley and build a State Route 2 connector in Blue Mountain. It is anticipated to improve safety and spur economic growth.
Another project wrapped up last summer in the Mississippi Delta with the completion of the U.S. 82 Greenville Bypass. The $216 million project constructed nearly 16 mi. of new four-lane highway from Leland to the Mississippi River Bridge, alleviating traffic and improving driving conditions throughout Washington County.
In Union County, work continues on a major, $58 million capacity project on State Route 15 that will complete the four-lane connection from Pontotoc to New Albany. The expanded roadway will provide a much safer and economical route for travelers.
Also in north Mississippi, work is progressing on the replacement of four bridges on State Route 9 south of Calhoun City in Calhoun County.
In the Jackson metro area, a critical bridge preservation project took place on the I-55 Pearl River bridges and I-20 flyover bridge. This $24.4 million project is nearing completion and is expected to extend the life of both bridges for many decades.
In Pike County, a $76 million project is resurfacing 5 mi. of interstate, raising four bridges and improving the U.S. 98 interchange. The project is anticipated to increase interstate safety and optimize traffic flow.
In Harrison County, a $49 million capacity project to add two travel lanes to U.S. 49 is making major progress with the southbound side nearly complete. The additional lanes will alleviate congestion in a growing area north of I-10.
Many coastal residents relocated further north after Hurricane Katrina's devastation 20 years ago. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the storm, MDOT created a documentary that chronicles the restoration of infrastructure through the stories of those at the forefront of recovery efforts.
Also in 2025, MDOT scheduled 50 paving projects that are funded or partially funded using proceeds from the Mississippi Lottery.
With increased funding in recent years and a vast number of projects under way, Mississippians can expect to see even more improvements to the state's transportation system in 2026.
For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.
Video available here: https://pub.mdot.ms.gov/download/press%20releases/2025/December/Year-ender%202025/MDOT_YEAR%20ENDER%20SHORT%20VERSION%202025.mp4.
