Box culvert, piling and bridge substructure work advance across north Mississippi

(UI) — Construction activity across north Mississippi is advancing on several projects centered on bridge foundations, box culvert installation, piling and drainage infrastructure, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Box culvert and river work at Yocona River crossing

At the U.S. 51 crossing over the Yocona River in Yalobusha County, crews have completed construction of a new box culvert north of the river, reinforcing both the upstream and downstream ends with riprap. Placement of stone dikes within the river channel is nearing completion, with final work dependent on river levels.

All bridge pours and rail placements at the site are finished. Asphalt placement on bridge approaches will resume once temperatures rise. The $12.2 million project was awarded to Century Construction of Tupelo and is scheduled for completion in spring 2026.

Piling and substructure work on U.S. 51 bridge replacements

Farther south in Yalobusha County, replacement of four bridges along U.S. 51 continues, with piling driven and substructure concrete pours completed at several locations. One bridge has been completed and returned to its original alignment, while traffic remains detoured at another site as crews finalize bridge approaches.

Talbot Brothers Contracting Co. Inc. was awarded the $20.1 million contract, with construction expected to conclude in summer 2026.

In Carroll County, six additional bridge replacements along U.S. 51 are moving forward. All concrete piling has been driven, caps have been constructed, and beams have been set on all structures. Crews are completing stay-in-place metal decking on the final bridge, while embankment construction and base installation continue.

The $15.9 million project was awarded to Ste-Bil Grading Inc. and is expected to be completed in fall 2026.

Bridge foundation work on State Route 9

Bridge replacement work is also progressing on four structures along State Route 9 south of Calhoun City. Contractors are addressing deck-related issues at one site while advancing paving and structural work at others. The $24 million contract was awarded to Manhattan Road & Bridge Company, with completion anticipated in spring 2026.

Drainage and subgrade work tied to widening projects

In Oxford, work is underway on the State Route 7 widening project, which includes grading, drainage installation, bridge construction and paving. The $138.7 million contract, awarded to Talbot Bros. Construction, will expand the highway to four lanes and improve structural capacity through the corridor. Completion is expected in fall 2029.

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