The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has provided an update on significant construction and maintenance projects across northern Mississippi, highlighting two major initiatives in Lafayette County. These projects include the development of new roundabouts and the widening of State Route 7, both aimed at improving traffic flow and safety.
Construction is actively progressing on new roundabouts at the State Route 7 ramps and University Avenue interchange in Oxford. All four interchange ramps remain operational during this phase, with traffic utilizing the inner lanes while the roundabouts are under construction. The project has focused on the outer sections of the roadway, and key tasks such as drainage installation, curb and gutter work, and concrete installation are complete. The total cost for this project is approximately $4.9 million, awarded to Cook & Son, LLC based in Smithville. Completion is anticipated by spring 2026.
In addition to the roundabouts, MDOT is overseeing the extensive widening of State Route 7 in Oxford. This project, valued at $138.7 million, 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. Alongside the widening, the project entails grading, drainage work, bridge construction, paving, and safety enhancements for motorists. The contract for this substantial project was awarded to Talbot Bros. Construction, with an expected completion date in fall 2029.
Updates on Regional Projects
Other notable projects are also in progress throughout the region. 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 from Memphis, Tennessee, and is set for completion this fall.
In Yalobusha County, construction is ongoing for a $20.1 million project focused on replacing four bridges along U.S. 51. One bridge replacement has been completed, while another site remains detoured as crews finalize bridge approaches. Work continues on the remaining bridges, with an expected completion date in summer 2026. This project is being executed by Talbot Brothers Contracting Co. Inc. of Nesbit.
Additionally, a separate $12.2 million initiative to replace the U.S. 51 bridge over the Yocona River is progressing well. With bridge and rail pours completed, asphalt work is scheduled to commence as temperatures rise. Century Construction of Tupelo is responsible for this project, which is also expected to be finished by spring 2026.
For ongoing updates on these and other active projects, MDOT encourages the public to visit their website at GoMDOT.com/Projects.
