JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) said a bridge preservation project is progressing in the capital city.

The work on the Interstate 55 bridges over the Pearl River entails the removal and replacement of both bridge decks, requiring two lanes to be shut down at a time.

The project also includes a section of I-20 eastbound to I-55 northbound that entails jacking and structural repairs, epoxy injection, installation of joint seals, bank reshaping, repainting the steel members and rip rap placement, in addition to the hydro-demolition and overlay of the bridge deck.

Crews are currently working on the hydro-demolition on I-55 over the Pearl River. Construction of the shoring towers is also in progress on the I-20 east to I-55 flyover.

“I want to thank Jackson area drivers for the effort they are all making to slow down, leave earlier and detouring around this massive project, along with several other active projects nearby” said Commissioner Willie Simmons, Chairman of the Mississippi Transportation Commission. “We are making progress and will continue doing so as diligently as possible. Please keep your guard up, stay alert and anticipate moderate traffic during peak travel.”

Crews currently anticipate reopening the I-55 northbound bridge over the Pearl River in roughly two months, with the southbound bridge to follow, depending on weather conditions.