Construction to Begin Soon on Brookway Boulevard Interchange Overhaul

Work is about to begin on a $5.5 million project to upgrade the Brookway Boulevard interchange on Interstate 55 in Lincoln County. The Mississippi Department of Transportation announced that the project will bring major improvements aimed at making the area safer and easier to travel. Plans include building two roundabouts—one on each side of the interstate—adding brighter lighting, improving the drainage system and repaving the roadway.

According to MDOT, the new roundabouts will replace the current intersection layout, which has struggled with heavy traffic and frequent congestion. Roundabouts help guide vehicles through a steady, circular flow, which reduces the chances of serious crashes and keeps cars moving more smoothly. MDOT officials said this design will be especially helpful during busy travel times and will make the area easier to navigate for both local drivers and visitors who rely on Brookway Boulevard for access to shops, restaurants and nearby businesses.

The project also addresses other long-standing concerns. New lighting will improve visibility at night, making the interchange safer after dark. Upgrades to the drainage system will help manage rainwater better, reducing the risk of standing water and flooding during storms. Fresh paving will create a smoother driving surface and extend the life of the interchange.

Commissioner Charles Busby of the Southern Transportation District said the project is a major improvement for the Brookhaven area. He explained that the interchange is one of the busiest gateways into the city and plays an important role in supporting local businesses and daily commuters. Busby said the upgrades will make travel through the area safer and more efficient for years to come.

The work has been awarded to T.L. Wallace of Columbia, with construction scheduled to begin the week of November 24, 2025. During construction, drivers should expect lane shifts, slower speeds and changing traffic patterns as crews move through different phases of the project. MDOT is urging all motorists to use caution, follow posted signs and stay alert when driving through the work zone.

The project is expected to be completed in fall 2026. Once finished, the improved interchange will offer a safer, more reliable travel route for the many drivers who use it each day and will strengthen the transportation network around Brookhaven.