‘S’ Curve finally gone

Laurel – A ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating the completion of the reconstruction of the I-59 “S” Curve in Laurel was held Sept. 10. A ceremony dedicating the I-59 bridge between Beacon Street and Fourth Avenue in memory of David R. Brown, original project engineer on the “S” Curve project, was also held in conjunction with the ribbon cutting.

According to Transportation Commissioner Wayne Brown, the completion of this project provides for the reconstruction and realignment of I-59 from 16th Avenue to 4th Avenue in Laurel. This section has now been upgraded to current interstate standards by eliminating the “S” Curve and improving other geometrics, vertical alignments and bridge widths.

To begin construction on the I-59 “S” Curve project, the City of Laurel utilized the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s (MDOT’s) Highway Enhancement through Local Partnerships Program (H.E.L.P.) to secure the $32 million needed to advance the funding of this project.

Tanner Construction Company Inc. of Ellisville was the contractor on this project.