FINALLY!
The construction along U.S. Highway 49 is nearly finished.
According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the 7.5-mile stretch of Highway 49 from Florence to Richland is on track to be completed by the end of this summer.
“We understand the completion of this project has been a long time coming,” Central Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons said. “I applaud MDOT crews for finding innovative ways to address issues throughout the project that undoubtedly are getting us to the finish line this summer.”
While construction on this portion of Highway 49 began in 2017, many internet users have picked fun over the years at what has been widely considered a slow-moving project. A prime example came with the “10-year challenge.”
#hwy49 #10yearchallenge pic.twitter.com/KxyeJv5sIW
— dave taco (@thisistaco) May 11, 2022
Memes aside, Simmons says motorists should expect more lane closures over the next few months.
“Please continue to be alert for roadside crews throughout the entire work zone as crews work to complete this project as safely and efficiently as possible,” Simmons said. “Once complete, the entire state will benefit from this critical infrastructure improvement project for decades to come.”
The official end of summer is September 22.
