Mississippi awards first highway pavement projects funded by lottery money

JACKSON, MISS. – The Mississippi Transportation Commission this week awarded the first seven pavement restoration projects funded by lottery proceeds.

“MDOT is so appreciative of the legislature for designating a portion of the lottery proceeds to Mississippi’s maintenance needs. These funds will help MDOT ensure our highways stay safe for the traveling public,” Commissioner Tom King, Chair, Mississippi Transportation Commission. “We aren’t wasting any time utilizing these funds. MDOT’s already awarded numerous projects throughout the state and you will see them start moving forward quickly.”

The Alyce G. Clark Mississippi Lottery Law was enacted in the August 2018 special session. It created the Mississippi Lottery Corporation to oversee the sale of lottery tickets. The law designated the first $80 million of net lottery proceeds annually for state roads and bridges. The Transportation Commission designated all lottery proceeds for pavement restoration projects.

“This money isn’t just going into Mississippi’s highways, it’s going to the people as well,” Commissioner Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District.  “These projects will not only enhance people’s quality of life, they will also supply jobs for so many people throughout the state.”

The awarded contracts for April include:

• A contract was awarded to Warren Paving, Inc., of Hattiesburg, for a 1-mile mill and overlay project on U.S. Highway 49 from U.S. Highway 90 to 28th Street in Harrison County.
• A contract was awarded to Warren Paving for resurfacing projects along five miles of State Route 198 in Perry County and along two miles of SR 198 in Greene County.
• A contract was awarded to APAC-Mississippi, Inc., of Richland, for a nearly 11-mile resurfacing project on U.S. 51 from near SR 17 to Aldy Road in Holmes County.
• A contract was awarded APAC-Mississippi for a 14-mile mill and overlay project on SR 432 from SR 433 to Interstate 55 in Yazoo County.
• A contract was awarded to Akca, LLC, of Plant City, Fla., for installation of raised pavement markers throughout District 5.
• A contract was awarded to Dickerson & Bowen, Inc., of Brookhaven, for a 2-mile mill and overlay project on SR 467 from SR 22 to Utica Street in Hinds County.
• A contract was awarded to WG Construction Company, Inc., of Ripley, for a 7-mile resurfacing project on State Route 371 from Monroe County to Lee County in Itawamba County.

In May, MTC will accept bids on 12 more contracts for pavement restoration projects throughout Mississippi.

“MDOT wants to keep these funds moving, the stream of money from the lottery is already working for Mississippians, by repaving and restoring some of our state’s neediest highways,” Commissioner John Caldwell, Northern Transportation District.

Projects to be awarded in May include:

• SR 852 through Brooksville in Noxubee County.
• SR 19 to SR 16 in Neshoba County.
• SR 48 West to SR 48 East in Walthall County.
• U.S. 278 from SR 25 to SR 8 in Monroe County.
• SR 37 from the Covington county line to Taylorsville in Smith County.
• SR 930 from beginning of state maintenance east to SR 555 in Adams County.
• SR 932 from beginning of state maintenance east to SR 555 in Adams County.
• U.S. 61 from Bingaman to Melrose-Montebello in Adams County.
• SR 305 from SR 4 to DeSoto county line in Tate County.
• SR 305 from Tate county line to Lewisburg in DeSoto County.
• SR 145 from US 45 North 7.0 Miles to 150 Feet North of SR 513. 
• District 1 raised pavement markers on various routes.

MDOT will alert the traveling public prior to any changes in traffic.

Highway work zones present new traffic patterns and configurations that may be unfamiliar to some motorists. For information about how to navigate highway work zones safely, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.