The area around Exit 15 on Interstate 20 in Flowers is getting busier by the day, and Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann told The Post last week that the increased traffic will soon be addressed with a project to widen the overpass.

“One of the things we’ve done (in the legislature) that I’ve been a big advocate for has been infrastructure,” Hosemann said. “(We’re) building three new highways right now, extensions of existing highways. Those are funded with Mississippi dollars, not federal money. So when we do that, we go through a list that was put together by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to see what’s next. And next up is the Flowers exit, which has been a concern of mine for a long time.”

Hosemann said the addition of a second rest area at the exit is further evidence that business expansion and additional traffic at Exit 15 warrants improvements to existing infrastructure.

“Now that they have a second truck stop there, I had already discussed this issue with MDOT that it is dangerous there,” Hosemann explained. “Because trucks are getting on and off the highway there, the ramp is very short and there is a lot of traffic. So that has to be a priority and I think that will be a priority now. I have agreed with MDOT that it will be on the waiting list to get it done.”

MDOT Central Commissioner Willie Simmons said the project is currently moving through the initial phases, including working with local property owners to resolve right-of-way issues that must be resolved before construction begins. Simmons added the bidding process for the project could begin as early as September or as late as November.

“We’re going to expand the overpass and add lanes,” Simmons said. “That’s going to really benefit the business community there.”

“The existing facilities will be helpful in that area and the potential expansion is such that we need an overpass and a culvert, not only for truck traffic but also for commercial traffic that is there now and will be there in the future as it expands,” Hosemann added. “I’m excited to move that forward. Hopefully construction will start early in the year. This is desperately needed.”

Simmons said more information on the total cost and timeline for completion of the project will be available as the tender process progresses.

“I want to thank the lieutenant governor, the speaker and the legislators and the governor for making this capacity money available,” Simmons said. “We are using some of the capacity money they passed in the 2023 session to build out and expand the Flowers hub.”