Highway 49 and 53 expansion project update

The Highway 49 and 53 expansion project will widen the road from four lanes to six lanes between School Road and O’Neal Road.

The project will feature the state’s first full continuous-flow intersection. Officials state the intersection will allow for left turn drivers to turn more safely, with less threat from oncoming traffic. MDOT Public Information Officer Anna Ehrgott said, “While in the main intersection, traffic will be able to make left turns while the north and southbound traffic is going straight. So, that’s going to optimize traffic flow. While those left turns are being made to cross over the traffic before the main intersection, traffic in the main intersection will be flowing eastbound and westbound so traffic will flow more optimally in the main intersection and we will be able to keep traffic that is turning left safer.”

Crews are currently working on clearing the land and drainage work.