The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDoT) has approved 163 roads and bridges repair projects, including a number of sites in the Mid-South.

A total of $250m has been sanctioned by the MDoT under the Emergency Road and Bridge Repair Fund (ERBRF).

Funds will be used to repair or replace around 200 bridges severely restricting mobility, including 99 that are currently closed and another 91 where weight restrictions have been applied.

MDoT said that $213m has been allocated for projects in cities and counties, while $37m has been awarded for projects in the state highway system.

The Mississippi Transportation Commission northern transportation district commissioner Mike Tagert said: “The Transportation Commission unanimously approved the selected projects from a pool of 690 applications totalling nearly $1bn.

“The Transportation Commission unanimously approved the selected projects from a pool of 690 applications totalling nearly $1bn.”

“Although all applications contained important projects, those awarded will provide greatest benefit to the state’s crippled infrastructure.”

Projects were selected based on bridge conditions, project readiness, traffic volume, mobility and economic impact.

Southern Transportation District Commissioner Tom King said: “The selected projects will replace closed and posted bridges, reopening many agricultural and commerce corridors as well as providing safe passage for emergency vehicles and school buses.”

The most expensive local projects include East Hardy Street in Forrest County with $15.2m and one segment of Wade-Vancleave Road in Jackson County with $11.8m allocations. Additional $2.5m has been sanctioned for another portion of Wade-Vancleave Road.

The most expensive state project is $16.3m for part of Interstate 20, which runs east-west across the centre of the state.

A total of 690 applications were submitted for $1bn projects.