MDOT outlines process for I-110 repair work in Harrison County

HATTIESBURG, MISS. – Following a fire that damaged the I-110 bridge and resulted in the closure of all I-110 S lanes south of Bayview Ave. in Harrison County, the Mississippi Department of Transportation is informing the public of the general process it follows to repair bridges when damage occurs.

Significant damage to the bridge columns and the underside of the I-110 bridge was observed by MDOT during a preliminary bridge inspection conducted immediately following the fire. A formal bridge inspection will take place to fully assess the damage on Friday, Sept. 22.

The safety of the traveling public remains MDOT’s first priority, and as such, MDOT must ensure that bridge repair work thoroughly and appropriately addresses damage to structures. Unfortunately, damage can and does occur to state-owned infrastructure through vehicle strikes, fires, natural disasters and other means. When a state-maintained bridge is damaged, MDOT adheres to the following process, which is guided by due diligence, state and federal policies and legal precedence.

Bridge repair process following damage to state-maintained structures
MDOT performs an initial inspection immediately after the event. Upon gaining that information, MDOT then will conduct a formal inspection of the damage and will procure the services of a third-party inspector with expertise in the bridge’s particular design to assess the damage.

Upon completion of the formal inspection, a detailed damage report will be submitted. Results from the damage report will inform the required repairs. Designers will then begin the task of constructing a set of plans to remedy the damage. Upon completion of the design, MDOT will utilize an emergency bid process to hire a contractor to perform the repairs. Once a contractor is selected and approved by the Mississippi Transportation Commission, MDOT will issue a Notice to Proceed, and repair work will begin.

While MDOT works to expeditiously coordinate the steps outlined above, the agency asks the public for patience as each step will require time and expertise to ensure the work is done correctly and with the precision required for public safety.