Does the "Utica cutoff" actually save any time?

Depends on the time of day. I go because that is where my Dad was born and raised.

Ole Crystal Springs/Utica. Made that trek many a time about over two decades ago. Pretty sure it saves time and is a pretty drive anyway.

My family lives in Monroe and that's where I grew up. I take Hwy 27 every time I make the trek back to Mecca. This route is not up for debate with me. My wife thinks it is stupid and I once made her drive her vehicle to prove a point. We met at the Beachwood Inn at Vicksburg to eat and I was there a good twenty minutes before her taking 55 to 20.

I've driven it hundreds of times from Monroe to NOLA and back again. Still do, every once in a while I'll go through Jackson just to see the time difference.

Once the construction at Jackson cleared up, time difference is only 10 minutes, 15 tops. but the change in scenery and break up for the drive is worth it.

Yes it does save time. I went that way to pick up a Honda 300 from a guy in Mandeville 2 years ago. If your driving south down 27 towards the Big Black River, you will see Bovina cutoff and then a big double red gate on the right hand side of 27(just the opposite if your driving north). That is a family farm and is where I lived growing up.

My only advise is to be very careful during fall/winter as I've hit two deer on that stretch of highway. They are everywhere.

not a significant amount in my experience.

Definitely shorter from V'burg to Crystal Springs by way of of 27 by 28 miles. Time of day plays a role. Don't think it would ever cause a delay so... yes it actually saves time.

Its definitely quicker in the daytime. There used to be grain hoppers hauling wood chips day and night to that mill outside of Crystal Springs. I haven't seen them in awhile though, maybe that mill closed? But be aware that log trucks and chip haulers are bottom of the barrel truck driving jobs. Most of those guys are making $10-12/hr because preventable accidents and failed drug tests prevent them from taking any of the thousands of openings in good truck driving jobs. Think about that every time you see a log truck.