City advances toward overhaul project to Hatcher Bayou Bridge

Vicksburg is on the brink of an infrastructural transformation. The city’s Hatcher Bayou bridge on Fisher Ferry Road, a vital connectivity point, is set to undergo a significant overhaul.

The bridge, which lies to the north of the entrance to Sports Force Parks on Fisher Ferry Road, is the primary conduit to the sports complex. With the Vicksburg boundary dissecting the bridge, it symbolically bridges two administrative regions: Vicksburg city on the west and Warren County on the east.

The Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen recently secured an agreement that ensures a release of $6 million from the state’s Department of Transportation emergency road and bridge funds for this project. This fund is meant to augment the bridge replacement endeavors, although it awaits a final approval from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Mayor George Flaggs Jr. had previously indicated the commencement of the project, underscoring the ongoing efforts by the engineering team.

The need for refurbishing the bridge was recognized in 2021, prompting city officials to seek emergency funding. After hiring Stantec for an assessment, which cost under $7,500. A facet of the renovation plan is the city’s intent to maintain the bridge’s functionality during the upgrade. By opting to erect a new structure alongside the existing one, the city ensures minimal disruption for its residents.