JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A bridge preservation project on Interstate 55 over the Pearl River in Jackson is making headway, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).

The work includes the removal and replacement of both bridge decks. Officials said the welding and painting of steel members has been completed on both bridges.

Crews reopened the northbound lanes of I-55 over the Pearl River to the original configuration, including both lanes of the Pearl Street exit from I-55 northbound.

On the southbound bridge, the concrete deck overlay is underway. Crews have completed three of five concrete pours. The final two pours will take place in the coming weeks. Once these pours are complete and have cured, crews will be able to reopen the southbound lanes.

According to MDOT, the preservation project includes a section of I-20 eastbound to I-55 northbound that includes jacking and structural repairs, epoxy injection, installation of joint seals, bank reshaping, repainting the steel members and rip rap placement. Construction of temporary shoring towers is in progress on the I-20 east to I-55 north flyover bridge.