MDOT delays Philadelphia roundabout detour changes until May 7

PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (WTOK) - The Mississippi Department of Transportation has delayed the traffic shift at the Highway 15/16 roundabout in Philadelphia to this Thursday, May 7th. The traffic switch is part of Phase 3 of construction activities on the roundabout, which will remain in effect until November 1st, 2026. The...

Roundabout to Open Monday, Expect Changes in Philly

PHILADELPHIA, Miss.–With a new roundabout to open Monday morning, youi can expect some changes if you drive in the city, says the Miss. Dept. of Transportation. The city and MDOT published the following reminder:. Here’s what to expect:. • Highway 16 at West Beacon Street will reopen. •...

Soaring gas prices create financial struggles across Mississippi

In a recent study by Smart Asset, Mississippi ranks fifth in the nation on how increasing gas prices are a financial burden on its residents. The website explained over 20 percent of an income from a minimum wage worker is credited to gas each week since the war on Iran started.

Norman Rd. to close in Newton County for bridge project

NEWTON COUNTY, Miss. (WTOK) - Both directions of Norman Rd. at U.S. 80 in Newton County will close beginning Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The Mississippi Department of Transportation said the closure will remain in place through 2027. The closure is part of a project that replaces several bridges on U.S....

Lauderdale County School District Responds to Bus Incident

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - The Lauderdale County School District is aware of an incident involving a Northeast school bus that left the roadway today. At this time, students and staff are being evaluated by emergency personnel, and appropriate care is being provided. District administrators are actively working alongside local law enforcement and emergency responders as they address the situation.

City, county will review parking garage project proposals

The city and county will soon work together to review proposals for the downtown parking garage project. Four proposals from engineering and architectural firms, Allen & Hoshal, PryorMorrow, EGH Architects, and MP Design Group, were received by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen last Tuesday, but no action was taken.

Intersection closed after 18-wheeler strikes light pole, damaging traffic signal in Laurel

LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - Drivers should be aware - roads are closed after an 18-wheeler accident in Laurel. On Tuesday, the City of Laurel announced that the intersection of Ferrell Street and S 16th Avenue is closed while crews work to fix a traffic signal that was damaged after an 18-wheeler struck a light pole.

West 10th Street in Laurel to temporarily close

LAUREL, Miss. (WHLT) – Drivers in Laurel should prepare for delays as a busy stretch of roadway is set to temporarily close. Beginning April 27, 2026, West 10th Street between 16th Avenue and Wansley Road will be closed to through traffic while crews work to replace a drainage crossing. The project is expected to take around two weeks to complete.

Roundabout to partially open May 4

The Highway 15/16 roundabout will partially open to traffic starting Monday, May 4 as construction enters a new phase, according to the MDOT. The shift to Phase 3 will remain in place through Nov. 1. As part of the change, Highway 16 at West Beacon Street will open. Highway 15...

West 10th Street in Laurel to temporarily close

LAUREL, Miss. (WHLT) – Drivers in Laurel should prepare for delays as a busy stretch of roadway is set to temporarily close. Beginning April 27, 2026, West 10th Street between 16th Avenue and Wansley Road will be closed to through traffic while crews work to replace a drainage crossing. The project is expected to take […]

Traffic pattern change at Highway 15/16 roundabout in Philadelphia May 4

PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (WTOK) - The Mississippi Department of Transportation will shift traffic to a Phase 3 configuration at the highway 15/16 roundabout starting Monday, May 4. The traffic pattern change will remain in effect until Sunday, November 1, 2026. The previously closed portion of highway 16 at W. Beacon St....

Mississippi ranks second worst for road conditions as pothole problems persist

"Going to my house on, Minnow Bucket Road. That is the worst road I've ever seen for potholes. It's steadily beating out," Shirley said. Consumer Affairs ranked Mississippi at the second worst road conditions in the United States in a recent study. Consumer Affairs stated almost half of Mississippi’s urban...

STB blesses KCS/NS plan to jointly control Meridian Speedway (4/11/2006)

It’s full speed ahead for Kansas City Southern’s and Norfolk Southern Corp.’s Meridian Speedway pact. Yesterday, the Class Is announced the Surface Transportation Board approved their plan to form a joint venture company to control the 320-mile Meridian, Miss.-to-Shreveport, La., corridor. As part of the deal proposed...

Mississippi’s roads second-worst in US: report

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Bad roads seem to be a problem cited by most Americans, but a recent report revealed that it is particularly true in Mississippi. The state’s roads have been a problem across the metro and state for years. Coupled with higher rates of road fatalities and accidents, it makes for a bad […]

Road work continues on Meehan area county roads

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Miss. (WTOK) - Work to repair county roads in the Meehan area is underway as part of a State Aid Road project. Meehan Savoy Road, Suqualena Meehan Road, York Road and Centerhill Martin Road are part of the project bid out in December. Work on the roads includes pre-leveling, chip sealing and micro sealing, said Road and Bridge Coordinator Ryan Mosley.

Laurel leaders announce intersection closure for waterline work

LAUREL, Miss. (WHLT) – Laurel leaders announced the intersection of Central Avenue and Magnolia Street will be closed. The closure will take place from March 25 to April 3, 2026. During this time, a contractor will install a new waterline and complete waterline tie-ins. While the intersection is closed, city officials said an electrician will […]

Phildelphia Looking to Build Parking Garage Downtown

PHILADELPHIA, Miss.–Philadelphia’s city board is trying to get enough money through a grant to build a parking garage downtown. The city’s growth over the past several years has necessitated the need for more parking. The addition of the Congress of Country Music and the seasonal concerts at the Ellis Theater have added tax revenue, but have also caused parking problems.

Proposed Parking Grant Receive Positive Reviews

Philadelphia In Attempt for New Parking Grant

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - Philadelphia is taking a step forward with a federal grant to address the downtown parking needs by adding a garage. The proposed garage idea is to cost an estimated amount between $5 - $8 million with 200 to 225 parking spaces. City officials emphasized that due...

Proposed Parking Grant Receive Positive Reviews

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - Philadelphia is attempting to receive a federal grant for its new parking garage. The purpose for the proposed garage is to accommodate court events and traffic demands. Some residents are very pleased about this possibility. " I’m excited about a parking garage. I think it’s a...