Local and federal officials gathered last week to celebrate the opening of the Hall Avenue East Overpass, a key infrastructure project designed to solve the long-standing issue of blocked rail crossings in downtown Hattiesburg. The $15.33 million overpass officially opened on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 8 a.m., providing a long-awaited solution to train delays that have impacted the community for years.
“For generations of Hattiesburgers, blocked train crossings have long stood as a paralyzing obstacle for safe, efficient transportation,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “This overpass provides a real solution, and we are thrilled for the neighborhoods and businesses who can now remain connected to the rest of the city, regardless of how many trains come through our downtown.”
The overpass offers a grade-separated crossing over the Canadian National rail line, eliminating one of the city’s major transportation bottlenecks. Hattiesburg’s downtown, a hub for Canadian National and Norfolk Southern rail lines, has 22 at-grade crossings, causing delays of 20 minutes or more during peak train activity. These delays have also raised safety concerns by blocking emergency vehicles.
Residents and local businesses have long anticipated the project’s completion, hoping it will ease traffic issues.
“I know it took awhile for the overpass to be completed, but it was well worth it,” said Samantha Jackson, a Hattiesburg resident. “Hopefully, traffic will move along smoother over this way now.”
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker shared in the optimism about the project, noting its significance for both safety and economic development.
“The people of Hattiesburg and the surrounding region have been waiting for this day for a long time,” Wicker said. “This project will make the community safer, keep rail lines moving, spur economic development throughout the area, and possibly save lives.”
The project was funded in part by a $5.39 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, with additional local funding provided. The overpass is the result of years of collaboration between local, state, and federal partners.
“This project is a testament to what we can accomplish when local, state, and federal partners come together with a common goal,” Barker added. “This effort has been about investing in the future of Hattiesburg and showing that the seemingly impossible task is indeed possible when we go after it together.”
Albert Evans, a Pine Belt resident, echoed the sentiment, noting the benefit to businesses in the area.
“This will be good for the stores and shops on this side of town,” he said. “And now, those trains won’t be getting people stuck in traffic and late for work anymore.”
The overpass is expected to improve emergency response times for fire, police, and medical services. Previously, blocked crossings hindered emergency vehicles from reaching East Hattiesburg, while patrol units from the nearby Johnny L. DuPree Public Safety Complex were delayed by stopped trains.
“The opening of the Hall Avenue Overpass will certainly enhance our ability to respond swiftly to emergencies,” said Hattiesburg Police Chief Hardy Sims. “By eliminating delays caused by blocked crossings, it will improve traffic flow and safety, ensuring that we can better serve our community with uninterrupted access to all areas of the city.”
The Hall Avenue East Overpass is part of a broader infrastructure overhaul that includes the Hall Avenue West Overpass, nearing completion with a $13.22 million BUILD grant, and the Johnny L. DuPree Public Safety Complex, completed in 2022. Altogether, these projects represent a $75.39 million investment aimed at reducing congestion, improving safety, and boosting economic growth in East Hattiesburg.
“We are seeing the makings of a true renaissance in East Hattiesburg,” Barker said. “Now that we have achieved reliable access, the true potential of these corridors and neighborhoods will begin to shine through.”