Michael Baker International Partners with Mississippi DOT on $19.3 Million Project to Update and Reconstruct Major Route Across State

Firm to provide CE&I services to survey and design section of U.S. Route 49 and improve mobility

Ridgeland, Miss. (March 1, 2018) - Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced a partnership with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to reconstruct an eight-mile stretch of U.S. Route 49 in the Jackson, Miss., metro area. The firm was awarded the $19.3 million Construction Engineering and Inspection (CE&I) contract in late 2017 and will prioritize safety, communication and efficiency to complete the complex project.
 
The roadway is a primary arterial route from the state capital of Jackson to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. More than 50,000 vehicles travel on the road each day, and it serves as a key component in the state’s hurricane evacuation plan. The current four-lane highway has heavy commercial development along the northern end of the project and is in need of additional lanes and roadway updates to improve mobility and enhance travel through reduced congestion. The completed project will achieve a safer and more efficient route for Jackson commuters and those traveling through the metro area.
 
“U.S. 49 has historically been one of the most important routes in Mississippi, connecting the capital and the southern part of our state, and has been a keystone project for our local operations as we provided the final design services in 2017,” said Ray Balentine P.E., PLS, Office Executive for Michael Baker International’s Mississippi operations. “Michael Baker understands the complexities of this highway and the reconstruction task, and we look forward to collaborating with MDOT to make this roadway safer and more efficient for the traveling public. This major project is another example of how We Make a Difference for our clients and communities where we live and work.”
 
The Michael Baker team is providing construction inspection, survey and post-design services on the three-year, multi-phase project, which focuses on an eight-mile stretch from Florence to the Scale Area in Rankin County. The team and its partners will construct a six-lane route, including curb and gutter with a closed drainage system.
 
Throughout the construction, the team will focus on traffic safety and the efficient movement of traffic flow, as lane closures and re-routing will likely occur in each phase of the project. Working with MDOT, the team will provide consistent communication of current roadway conditions and scheduled construction actives to the public, residents and impacted local businesses.
 
Technology also will play a key role in the project implementation and delivery, including the use of Michael Baker’s Mobile LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems to capture a visual record of the site at preconstruction. This innovative approach provides a more efficient solution over traditional methods of cataloging information and will facilitate the rapid and accurate collection of digital data to inform reconstruction design plans. The team will also use iPads and Miovision Traffic Cameras to enhance the project.
 
Reconstruction of Route 49 is scheduled to be completed by late 2020 and will anticipate an average daily traffic (ADT) of 58,000 by that time.
 
About Michael Baker International

Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management.  The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients.  Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit www.mbakerintl.com.

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