MDOT sets new records in 2024
Jan. 1, 2024-Another record-setting year is in the books for the Mississippi Department of Transportation. The Department achieved a new high in infrastructure project investment in 2024. Plus, major construction is in full swing across the state.
“MDOT’s achievements in 2024 are a testament to the cooperation and dedication of our internal team as well as a reflection of the strides we’ve made in strengthening our partnerships at the state and federal levels,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “Infrastructure funding and maintenance is one of the bedrocks of a flourishing society, and we are thankful to be entrusted with resources that keep Mississippi moving.”
A staggering $1.2 billion in projects was approved in Fiscal Year 2024, shattering the previous record set in Fiscal Year 2022 by more than $255 million. This accomplishment was made possible thanks to an increase in funding and an agency-wide focus on efficiency. These infrastructure investments will replace and repair bridges, pave roads and make safety improvements throughout the state.
On the federal level in FY 2024, additional project funding came from more than $220 million in grants awarded from the U.S. Department of Transportation and from funds directed from Mississippi’s congressional delegation.
On the state level, the Mississippi Legislature increased MDOT’s appropriation in the 2024 session by $620 million, which included supplements to MDOT’s capacity and maintenance programs.
Major projects are currently underway in each region of the state to increase traffic capacity thanks to a special appropriation from the Mississippi Legislature passed in 2023.
One of the most significant of these projects kicked off in Tippah County this past August when officials broke ground on the “Ripley Bypass.” This $195 million dollar project will widen and construct 10.5 miles 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.
Also in North Mississippi, the construction of six bridges on State Route 8 in Calhoun and Grenada counties is nearing completion. The new bridges will greatly enhance safety for motorists.
In the Mississippi Delta, Phase II of the U.S. 82 Greenville Bypass began this year, marking substantial progress on the $216 million project to construct approximately 16 miles of new, four-lane highway from Leland to the Mississippi River bridge.
In central Mississippi, a major $36 million capacity project expanding State Route 19 from Tucker to Philadelphia in Neshoba County is nearing completion. The project will increase safety and mobility across east central Mississippi.
Further south, a $76 million project began this year to make significant improvements to the I-55 corridor in Pike County by resurfacing five miles of interstate, raising four bridges over I-55 and improving the U.S. 98 interchange.
Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Harrison and Hancock counties, a massive $155 million capacity project kicked off last spring to widen I-10 from four to six lanes from County Farm Rd. to Diamondhead and make additional enhancements along the interstate.
In 2024, MDOT also scheduled 18 paving projects across the state thanks to $80 million dollars received from the Mississippi Lottery.
MDOT embarks on hundreds of projects each year to make lasting, positive changes that enhance safety and improve travel conditions for each mode of transportation in the state. In 2025, Mississippians can expect to see more active construction as MDOT strives to build a safer, stronger and more modern transportation system to support and sustain the great people and industries of our state.
