HATTIESBURG, MISS. ­— According to a release from the Mississippi Department of Transportation, work to widen a section of Highway 11 in Picayune will begin this month.
The work is slated to take place from the intersection of Lakeshore Drive on the north end of the route, south to the intersection of Cayten Street, according to previous coverage.
Motorists can expect to see construction signs installed along the route week of January 20, construction is said to start shortly after the signs are installed, the release states. Work will start on the northbound lane, and traffic will shift to the center lane to allow room for construction.
This project has been delayed several times since it was announced.
MDOT has budgeted $14.4 million for the project, which was awarded to Barriere Construction Company, LLC of Franklinton, La. The work will encompass of about 1.65 miles along Highway 11 inside the city limits of Picayune. The project will include underground drainage work along with the construction of curbs, concrete islands, and concrete sidewalks, the release states.
The paving project will include traffic signals in addition to roadway lighting, and striping.
“Once completed the roadway will have two lanes in each direction,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District in the release. “The need for this project comes down to safety; these additional lanes will allow more room for drivers and will help clear up congestion.”
When the project starts, it is projected to take two and a half years to complete, the release states.