 In 1940, the portions of MS 24 between Foxworth and Columbia and between Beaumont and McLain were paved.That same year, new alignments for the highway were under construction between McComb and Tylertown, from US 49 south of Hattiesburg to Beaumont, and from McLain to Leakesville.In addition, construction was underway to upgrade MS 24 between Columbia and Hattiesburg.