The city of Hattiesburg has begun a major infrastructure overhaul to reduce flash flooding and improve safety for motorists and properties.
Construction is being done in the area of West 7th Street, Grace Avenue, and North 25th Avenue.
According to city officials, the area near the Highway 49 underpass on West 7th Street has experienced recurring flash flooding during heavy rain events for many years. The project was designed to directly address those issues via upgraded stormwater management systems.
“This project represents the kind of strategic investment needed to solve long-standing problems,” Mayor Toby Barker said. “It’s about more than addressing flooding, it’s about building a stronger, safer infrastructure for the future of Hattiesburg.”
Beyond drainage improvements, the project will include curb, gutter, and sidewalk upgrades to enhance pedestrian safety and walkability. Aging water and sewage lines will also be replaced by modern underground utilities.
The $4.62 million project will be funding by multiple sources, including $2.1 million from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality’s MCWI program, $2.1 million from Hattiesburg’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation, and around $500,000 from local capital funds.
The West 7th street project is part of a larger effort to address flash flooding citywide, which also includes new detention ponds in multiple locations.
