Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Tuesday, April 22, the city of Hattiesburg celebrated the completion of one of the most significant infrastructure projects in its history with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Hall Avenue West Overpass. The event, attended by Mayor Toby Barker, Congressman Mike Ezell and other state and local officials, marked the opening of the Hall Avenue corridor and the resolution of a century-old transportation challenge that has long divided the city.

The comprehensive project includes two new overpasses that span both the Canadian National and Norfolk Southern rail lines, eliminating daily delays and safety risks caused by at-grade crossings. These rail lines, which have historically contributed to Hattiesburg’s identity as the “Hub City,” also created barriers that routinely blocked emergency vehicles and motorists for extended periods throughout the day. With the corridor now complete, Hattiesburg has continuous east-west access between River Avenue and West Pine Street.

“This is a transformative moment for our city,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “For over 100 years, train traffic dictated how and when residents could move across Hattiesburg. Today, we turn that page and begin a new chapter of connectivity, reliability and opportunity.”

In addition to the grade-separated crossings, the Hall Avenue corridor was fully reconstructed with infrastructure and aesthetic upgrades. Improvements include a landscaped center median, modern street lighting, sidewalks and a new roundabout near the Johnny L. DuPree Public Safety Complex to enhance traffic flow and access. The project also included similar upgrades to Gulfport Street to support the corridor’s expanded role in the city’s transportation network.

The multi-phase initiative began with planning and grant applications in 2018, and construction began in 2022. It was made possible through a combination of federal grants, including the BUILD and CRISI programs, as well as state infrastructure funding provided by the Mississippi Infrastructure Modernization Act. In total, the Hall Avenue project, along with the Johnny L. DuPree Public Safety Complex, represents a $75 million investment in the future of East Hattiesburg and the city as a whole.

Before this project, Downtown Hattiesburg contained 22 at-grade rail crossings, with no viable alternatives when crossings were blocked. Now, with a completed corridor stretching from River Avenue to Broadway Drive, upgrades will enhance emergency response times, reduce commuter frustration and support future growth in housing, business and public safety.

“This effort has reconnected neighborhoods and removed a long-standing barrier to progress,” said Barker. “It is the largest infrastructure investment in our city in generations, and it ensures that Hattiesburg’s growth can continue without being limited by the tracks that once divided us.”

The Hall Avenue West Overpass will be open to traffic beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22.

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