2025 was one of the most significant years in recent memory for the Mississippi Department of Transportation. A sweeping tax reform law passed by the Mississippi Legislature included an increase in the gas tax, a primary source of funding for MDOT.
“Mississippi’s 2025 tax reform legislation signifies the first time we have really dealt with the funding model for our state infrastructure system since 1987,” said Brad White, MDOT executive director. “The recurring dollars resulting from this legislation provide MDOT with greater resources to preserve critical infrastructure, improve safety and ensure Mississippi’s transportation system continues to support economic growth and our citizens’ needs.”
Funding from the gas tax is expected to add millions to the agency’s budget. The money will help offset rising costs and better equip MDOT to maintain and expand the state’s investment in infrastructure.
Major projects are already underway in every region of the state to increase traffic capacity, modernize infrastructure and make safety upgrades.
One of the largest projects began in Tippah County in August with the groundbreaking of the $195 million Ripley Bypass. The 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. Officials expect it to improve safety and spur economic growth.
Another major project wrapped up this summer in the Mississippi Delta with the completion of the U.S. 82 Greenville Bypass. The $216 million project constructed nearly 16 miles of new four-lane highway from Leland to the Mississippi River Bridge, alleviating traffic and improving driving conditions in Washington County.
Further north, work continues on a $58 million project on State Route 15 in Union County that will complete the four-lane connection from Pontotoc to New Albany. The expanded roadway will provide a safer and more efficient route for travelers.
In Calhoun County, four bridges on State Route 9 south of Calhoun City are being replaced. The modernization project is expected to greatly enhance safety for motorists.
In the Jackson metro area, a $24.4 million bridge preservation project on the I-55 Pearl River bridges and the I-20 flyover bridge is nearing completion. Officials say it will extend the life of both structures for decades.
In Pike County, a $76 million project is resurfacing five miles of interstate, raising four bridges and improving the U.S. 98 interchange. The project is expected to increase safety and optimize traffic flow.
On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a $49 million project to add two travel lanes to U.S. 49 in Harrison County is progressing, with the southbound side nearly complete. Officials say the additional lanes will ease congestion in a growing area north of I-10.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. To commemorate the milestone, MDOT created a documentary chronicling infrastructure restoration through the stories of those at the forefront of recovery efforts.
MDOT also scheduled 50 paving projects in 2025 that are funded or partially funded by proceeds from the Mississippi Lottery.
With increased funding and numerous projects underway, Mississippians can expect to see continued improvements to the state’s transportation system in 2026.
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