The electronic message board near the Hardy Street entrance of the University of Southern Mississippi campus in Hattiesburg is currently undergoing renovations.
The work started on Oct. 5. University officials said the original structure – which dates back to 1998 – was in a state of disrepair and required extensive repair.
The renovations will protect the university’s electronic equipment – and embedded Mississippi Department of Transportation traffic control components – from potential failure due to internal conditions, including water infiltration and lack of climate-controlled space.
According to officials, the project includes an installation of new LED video boards, a new brick exterior and a new copper roof.
The new video boards will display digital messages on each of the sign’s three sides, and the new brick will match the color, texture and size of the existing brick used on the construction of the adjacent fence and other campus structures.
In addition to the new video boards, weatherproofing and a ductless HVAC system, the university is adding improved landscape irrigation and new plantings to replace previously existing plantings that had become overgrown.
Pedestrian access to the area is currently limited with one sidewalk remaining open. Parking spaces alongside Championship Lane will also be blocked during the project, which is expected to be complete by April 2021.
