Hosemann announces work coming to Flowers I-20 exit

The area around Interstate 20 exit 15 in Flowers is becoming busier by the day and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann told The Post last week that uptick in traffic will soon be addressed by a project to expand the overpass.

“One of the things we did (in the Legislature) was, and I pushed hard for, was infrastructure,” Hosemann said. “(We are) now building three new highways, extensions to highways that existed. Those are being funded by Mississippi dollars, not federal dollars. So, when we do that, we go down a list prepared by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), as to what is next up. And next up is the Flowers exit, which is something that has concerned me for a long time.”

Hosemann said the addition of a second truck stop at the exit was further evidence that business expansion and added traffic at exit 15 warrants upgrades to the existing infrastructure.

“Now that they have a second truck stop over there, I had previously discussed that matter with MDOT that that is dangerous there,” Hosemann explained. “With trucks getting on and off the highway there, it is a very short ramp and significant traffic. So, that needs to be a priority and I think it will now be a priority. It’s my understanding with MDOT that it is going to be in the queue to get it done.”

MDOT Central Commissioner Willie Simmons said the project is working its way through initial phases, including partnering with local ownership to sort out right-of-way issues that must be addressed prior to any construction beginning. Simmons added the bid process for the project could begin as early as September or as late as November.

“We’re going to expand the overpass and add lanes,” Simmons explained. “It’s really going to do a lot for the business community out there.”

“It will be helpful in that area with the features that they have there, and the possible expansion is such that we need to have an overpass and culvert for not only truck traffic, but commercial traffic that’s there now and will be there in the future as it expands,” Hosemann added. “I’m pleased to be pushing that. Hopefully construction will start the first of the year. It’s very-much needed.”

Simmons said more information about a total cost and timeline for completion of the project will become available through the bidding process.

“I want to thank the lieutenant governor and the speaker and the legislators, as well as the governor, for making that capacity money available,” Simmons said. “We are using part of the capacity dollars they passed in the 2023 session to build and expand upon the Flowers interchange.”