A new roundabout intended to improve traffic flow and reduce delays is in development at the intersection of Oak Grove Road and Weathersby Road.
The roundabout is part of the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Improvement Program, which outlines a plan for investing federal transportation funds in high-priority transportation improvement projects in Forrest and Lamar counties from 2025 through 2028.
Jason Lamb, county engineer for Lamar County, said the project is currently in right-of-way negotiations and does not have an expected construction start date.
“Once right-of-way is acquired, we will begin utility relocation. Once relocation is complete, we will then be able to advertise the project for public bid,” Lamb said.
After the process is complete and the project’s contract has been awarded, a construction timeline of 12 to 16 months is expected before the roundabout is complete.
In a “What Is True?” investigation conducted by RHCJC News staff last year, data from the Federal Highway Administration showed roundabouts reduced severe crashes by as much as 82% compared with traditional intersections.
According to Lamb, roundabouts also are consistently more effective than traditional intersections at maintaining continuous traffic flow.
The project is estimated to cost more than $6 million and will be funded through federal and state funds, as well as contributions from the City of Hattiesburg and Lamar County.
