Commissioner Simmons announces new projects at Town Hall

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons announced new projects in Warren County at a Town Hall event held Monday, Nov. 3.

Vicksburg Ward 1 Alderman TJ Mayfield hosted the event at Springhill MB Church on Mission 66. 

Several concerned citizens and residents attended the event to hear from honored guests: Commissioner Simmons, Public Service Commissioner De’Keither Stamps, District 55 State Representative Oscar Denton and Vicksburg Warren School District School Board President Jim Stirgus. 

Perhaps the information most directly impacting residents in Warren County were the announcements of projects from Commissioner Simmons. 

Simmons named a number of upcoming projects affecting roads and bridges in and around Vicksburg. 

According to Mississippi Department of Transportation’s website the following projects are on the books:

• Bridge Repair- Mt. Alban Road and Brabston Road; Completion set for 2026
• Building Construction – Welcome Center, I-20 Commissioner Dick Hall Hospitality Station; Completion set for 2026
• Bridge Replacement- SR 465 Bridge Replacement #2.6; Completion set for 2026
• Bridge Replacement-SR 465 #15.7; Completion  set for 2026
• Mill & Overlay- I-20 from end of MS River to 0.65 mile east of MS 27/US 61 Overpass; Completion set for 2027
• Bridge Repair- I-20 over Old HWY 27 & KCS RR #4.5A & #4.5B; Completion set for 2027
• Mill & Overlay- US 61 from 0.5 mile north of US 80/SR 27 Intersection to 0.36 mile north of SR 465 at Redwood; Completion set for 2027
• Mill & Overlay- MS 3 from US 61 to Ballground Creek also add turn lanes; Completion set for 2027
• Mill & Overlay- US 61 just north of Hullum Road to concrete section at Pemberton intersection; Completion set for 2028
• Bridge Replacement- US 61 over Sunflower River #127.9; Completion set for 2028

Simmons also explained the need for a solution to the intersections in Vicksburg on I-20 after a study found area from Exit 5 to Exit 1A, were not only among the most dangerous in the state, but in the entire nation.

According to Simmons’ proposal, the I-20 corridor from MS River Bridge to HWY 61 north  will include improving safety and operation measures within the city limits of Vicksburg by constructing a loop ramp at Halls Ferry and an auxiliary lane from Clay Street to Indiana Avenue. Additionally, work will include a capacity project enhancing I-20 from Clay Street to HWY 61/27.

The expected completion date of the I-20 enhancements is expected in 2030. The cost is estimated to be $241.1 million. 

For more information on projects from MDOT, click here.