JACKSON, MISS.—Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) first responders continue efforts to keep the state’s transportation network open and safe after experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding throughout the week.
After a slide developed on U.S. Highway 49 south of Yazoo City this morning, maintenance crews were immediately on the scene digging trenches to relieve water from the roadway. The soil began pulling away from the road causing part of the outside lane of Highway 49 southbound to slide out, forcing the closure of the outside lane.
Traffic is currently passing in the inside lane of Highway 49 southbound while crews monitor the condition of the saturated roadway. Should more sliding occur, both lanes of Highway 49 southbound will close and crews will reroute traffic. MDOT will issue an immediate update should this occur.
MDOT crews are also monitoring conditions along State Route 16 just east of Highway 49 in Yazoo County. On U.S. Highway 61 just north of Redwood, crews discovered depressions forming in the roadway, but are able to patch these areas to keep this stretch of highway safe and passable for the public.
With severe weather continuing to move across the state, although these roadways are currently passable, motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution on State Route 16, Highway 49 and Highway 61.
Other closures include U.S. Highway 80 in Warren County, which saw significant damage at Mount Alban Road yesterday after heavy rainfall caused a portion of the soil supporting the asphalt to shift. MDOT crews are continuing to assess the extent of damage on Highway 80 and the roadway will remain closed until further notice.
In Leake County, State Route 427 is closed from State Route 16 to McPhail Road due to flooding. The closure on State Route 16 between East Franklin Street and Midway Road in Leake County remains in place as well. Motorists are advised to find alternate routes until MDOT crews deem each roadway safe for travel.
“Motorists should avoid traveling any flooded highways in Mississippi,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “Prior to traveling, be sure to check road and weather conditions, and remain on high alert for roadside crews making repairs and assessing flood damage.”
Stay updated on current road conditions at MDOTtraffic.com or download the MDOT Traffic mobile app. Motorists can also stay updated on closures and traffic information by following @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.
MDOT also has many helpful safety tips for driving in severe weather and avoiding flooding at GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.