A major Hattiesburg roadwork project several years in the making is nearing completion, as city officials expect the two new intersections and traffic signals at Camp and Adeline streets, near Forrest General Hospital, to be fully operational within the next few days.
Mayor Toby Barker said the lights at that site will begin flashing yellow on July 11, while the intersections will be ready for motorists at 5 a.m. July 16.
“It’s a project that’s over a decade in the making,” Barker said. “It creates better connectivity between The Avenues and midtown Hattiesburg while giving the hospital a more efficient (traffic) flow around its facility, and allowing for future expansion of those facilities that serve the healthcare needs of our region.”
As part of the project, which is known as the 49/Midtown Mississippi Development Authority Project, the traffic signal at U.S. 49 and Mamie Street will be removed, and that intersection will be blocked. The right-turn-only lane onto Mamie Street will remain open for access to the hospital’s emergency room.
In addition, the existing left turn lane on U.S. 49 will be “coned” off.
The work will affect Forrest General Hospital as follows:
- Emergency room access: Both directions will need to use the Camp Street intersection.
- For the main lobby and/or front parking lot of the hospital, motorists coming northbound will need to use the Adeline Street intersection. Motorists coming southbound can use the right-turn lane at Mamie Street.
- For the Mamie Street intersection, which will be closed, the traffic signal will be removed. Left turns crossing traffic are not allowed, but right-hand turns are permitted.
Measures for the Parkhaven neighborhood are as follows:
- Exit the neighborhood via the Camp Street intersection (one-way, westbound).
- Enter the neighborhood via the Adeline Street intersection (left tun north on U.S. 49, then right on Mamie), or the Camp Street intersection (across U.S. 49, turn right on the service road to access Mamie Street.
City officials are advising motorists that there is no need to come to a complete stop when coming to the flashing yellow signal. However, motorists should stay alert for other drivers entering the highway and proceed with caution.
“Following signage and just being patient is going to be the main keys as this transition continues to occur,” Barker said. “I know this is something that everyone wanted to be completed, and we’re nearing the finish line.
“Following the correct signage, and slowing down and paying attention, are things that every motorist should do regardless of where they are, particularly after a change in traffic patterns like this project will bring.”
