Mississippi Transportation Commissioners approved spending $250 million Tuesday to fund 163 emergency projects to repair or replace crumbling roads and bridges throughout the state.

Commissioners voted Tuesday, months after lawmakers met in special session and authorized the state to issue $250 million in bonds to fund emergency repairs.

A Mississippi Department of Transportation news release says $213 million will be spent on projects overseen by cities and counties, while $37 million will be spent on projects in the state highway system.

The release says commissioners chose projects based on bridge conditions, project readiness, traffic volume, mobility and economic impact.

“The Transportation Commission unanimously approved the selected projects from a pool of 690 applications totaling nearly $1 billion,” said Commissioner Mike Tagert, Northern Transportation District.
“Although all applications contained important projects, those awarded will provide greatest benefit to the state’s crippled infrastructure.”

Traffic has been rerouted because of closed bridges in some places, causing school buses and carriers of agricultural products to take longer routes.

“The Transportation Commission worked closely with MDOT and the advisory board to ensure the most effective statewide allocation of funds which improves public safety and strengthens Mississippi’s
economy,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “The selected projects will replace closed and posted bridges, reopening many agricultural and commerce corridor
s as well as providing safe passage for emergency vehicles and school buses.”

The biggest local projects are $15.2 million in Forrest County and $11.8 million in Jackson County.

For a complete list of approached projects visit:
http://mdot.ms.gov/ERBRF/documents/ERBRF%20Awarded%20Projects.pdf

To see a map of the locations for which projects will be worked visit:
http://mdot.ms.gov/ERBRF/documents/ERBRF%20Project%20Map.pdf