MADISON, Miss. — November 13, 2025
Local, county, and state leaders gathered Thursday afternoon to celebrate a transformational moment for Madison County’s road network: the long-awaited ribbon cutting for the newest segment of Reunion Parkway.
Officials, including Congressman Michael Guest, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons, and Madison County Board of Supervisors President Gerald Steen, joined together on the newly completed roadway to officially open the latest stretch of the multi-phase project.
Photo by Teri Taylor
A New Connection to Ease Growing Traffic
The newly completed phase — part of a $22.7 million investment — creates a direct two-lane connection from Highway 51 to Parkway East. County leaders say the opening will bring immediate relief to some of the area’s busiest corridors, offering a smoother east-west route for both drivers and commercial traffic.
Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons highlighted the impact on safety, mobility, and economic development.
“This project is about more than convenience,” Simmons said. “It’s about giving residents a safer way to travel and giving local businesses the infrastructure they need to keep Madison County moving forward.”
The work was made possible through a partnership between Madison County and the Mississippi Department of Transportation, which helped secure federal funding for the project. Hemphill Construction served as the contractor, with MDOT’s Local Public Agencies Division overseeing the federally funded components.
Photo by Teri Taylor
Part of a Larger Vision
Thursday’s celebration marks one of several major transportation improvements underway in the fast-growing county. Construction continues on both Bozeman Road and Reunion Parkway Phase II — the segment that will carry traffic over I-55 and connect Parkway East to Bozeman Road. That phase is expected to open in August.
Madison County Supervisor Trey Baxter said the progress is building toward a long-planned, fully connected roadway network.
“By late summer, drivers will be able to travel from Reunion to Highway 51 without the congestion we’ve all known for years,” Baxter said. “And with Bozeman also under construction, we’re creating a complete system to help people get to work and school more safely.”
A Community Growing — and Preparing for More
Residents at the ribbon cutting say the improvements couldn’t come at a better time. Madison County continues to be one of the fastest-growing regions in Mississippi, placing heavy demand on existing roads.
“We really needed this,” said longtime resident Phil McCoy. “Madison is growing so fast, and these new connections are going to make a big difference in how we all get around.”
Looking Ahead
While Thursday’s ceremony marked the official completion of the Reunion Parkway, officials emphasized that the work isn’t over. Additional stages are expected to open over the next two years, gradually bringing the full project — an idea first discussed in the Legislature more than a decade ago — to life.
Simmons noted that MDOT remains committed to seeing future phases through.
“Madison County has been a strong partner,” he said. “We look forward to being back here to cut the ribbon on the next phase soon.”
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