The Transportation Commission approved a suite of preconstruction actions on bridge projects and related contract changes during its November meeting.

Staff presented a series of work assignments and authorizations. The commission authorized the executive director to execute work assignment No. 5 under a bridge services master contract with Michael Baker International, Inc., to investigate widening alternatives for I‑10 over the Pascagoula River (Jackson County). Staff stated the work assignment amount will not exceed $652,375.06. The commission also authorized work assignment No. 2 under a bridge services master contract with Pickering Firm, Inc., to develop phase B final bridge construction plans for replacement of four bridges on U.S. 80 in Newton County, at a cost not to exceed $328,580.79.

Commissioners were also asked to pass condemnation orders on a listed set of parcels needed for right‑of‑way and to authorize preliminary engineering utility agreements. S3 (staff) explained the items were necessary to keep projects on schedule. Commissioner S4 pressed staff on whether the department has increased its in‑house right‑of‑way staffing or is relying more on consultants; S5 (Brian) replied that recent pay adjustments "stopped the bleeding of personnel" and that consultant spending has increased because of higher workload.

The commission approved contract addenda extending two master contracts — for 2023 underground storage tank removal/remediation services and for 2023 environmental consulting services — at no additional cost through 12/31/2026, with no new work assignments to commence after that date. Staff said the extensions are tied to ongoing project continuity and open work assignments under the master agreements.

The commission did not take separate roll‑call votes on each individual authorization in the staff report during the public portion of the meeting; staff recommended the actions and the chair moved items forward as part of the agenda.