JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Last fall, crews began a hydro-demolition project on the Interstate 55 bridges over the Pearl River in Jackson.

According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), the work entails the removal and replacement of both bridge decks. This requires two lanes to be shut down at a time.

Officials said as of February 27, crews are completing pours on the I-55 southbound inside lanes using a concrete pump truck, which transfers concrete from the supply trucks to the bridge deck. Once complete, crews will swap traffic and begin work on the outside lanes.

The repair work is part of a larger preservation project on I-20 eastbound to I-55 northbound. Once shoring efforts are complete underneath the bridge, lane closures will begin on I-20 east to I-55 north.

“These bridges have taken on well over 100,000 vehicles daily for many decades, so this is a critical need to further preserve Jackson’s infrastructure,” said Commissioner Willie Simmons, Chairman of the Mississippi Transportation Commission. “I appreciate the effort drivers are putting in to slow down, leave a little earlier to get to their destinations and detouring around the lane closures when possible. We are making progress. Let’s keep our guard up by staying alert and preparing to encounter traffic, especially during peak travel.”

The hydro-demolition portion of the project currently underway is on track to be completed this summer.