The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has provided updates on significant construction and maintenance projects across north Mississippi, highlighting major developments in Lafayette County. Notably, work continues on new roundabouts at the State Route 7 ramps and University Avenue interchange in Oxford. All four interchange ramps remain operational during the construction process, with traffic utilizing the inner lanes while work progresses.
The $4.9 million project, awarded to Cook & Son, LLC of Smithville, has seen the completion of drainage installation, curb and gutter, and concrete work, focusing primarily on the outer sections of the roadway. Completion is projected for spring 2026.
State Route 7 is also undergoing a significant widening project in Oxford, which is among MDOT’s largest initiatives in the region. The total cost of this undertaking is approximately $138.7 million. The project aims to expand SR 7 to four lanes from Belk Boulevard to County Road 370, just south of the SR 7/State Route 9 roundabout. In addition to the widening, the scope includes grading, drainage, bridge construction, and safety improvements for motorists. The contract has been awarded to Talbot Bros. Construction, with an expected completion date in the fall of 2029.
Regional Project Highlights
Several other important projects are progressing in the surrounding counties. In Panola County, a $13.6 million initiative to mill and overlay approximately 14 miles of U.S. 278/State Route 6 is nearing completion. Mainline paving has been finished, and the contractor is currently awaiting warmer weather to finalize permanent striping, grinding, and clay gravel placement. This project has been awarded to Lehman-Roberts Company of Memphis, Tennessee, with completion anticipated this fall.
In Yalobusha County, construction remains active on a $20.1 million project aimed at replacing four bridges along U.S. 51. Currently, one bridge replacement has been completed, while another site is under detour as crews finalize bridge approaches. The project, awarded to Talbot Brothers Contracting Co. Inc. of Nesbit, is expected to wrap up by summer 2026. Additionally, a separate $12.2 million project to replace the U.S. 51 bridge over the Yocona River is progressing, with bridge and rail pours complete. Asphalt work is scheduled to begin once temperatures rise. This project is being managed by Century Construction of Tupelo, with completion also expected in spring 2026.
For further details on active projects and their statuses, MDOT encourages residents and stakeholders to visit GoMDOT.com/Projects. The department continues to make significant investments in infrastructure to enhance transportation and safety across the region.
