RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) said crews are wrapping up a critical bridge repair project on U.S. 80 over the Pearl River relief area in Rankin County.

The project allowed a closure period of up to 100 calendar days. According to MDOT, crews wrapped up work in half that time and are preparing to reopen the roadway to traffic on September 19, 2025.

“We are thrilled to announce that crews have wrapped up the bridge repair on U.S. 80 over two months ahead of schedule and are set to reopen it today,” said Mississippi Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons. “Thanks to the dedication and teamwork shown throughout the project by both MDOT and Key, LLC, we’re able to minimize traffic disruption for the thousands of drivers who rely on this route daily by reopening it ahead of schedule.”

The U.S. 80 project that wraps up on Friday included the removal and replacement of portions of the end bent and bridge end pavement of the U.S. 80 bridges over the Pearl River relief area, just east of the first repair project.