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Heatwave creates hazardous road conditions

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hazardous road conditions
Photo by James Redmond via Facebook.

Extreme temperatures can buckle roads and expand bridges, even warp train tracks, creating hazards for commuters.  The effects of heat on the asphalt and concrete roadways combined with heavy rainfall and Yazoo clay are causing dips to develop on several highly-traveled roads across the region.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will close all lanes of Interstate 20 westbound/Interstate 55 southbound at State Street in Jackson Friday night, July 29, starting at 8 p.m. to perform a maintenance repair on a roadway dip.

“We knew there was a possibility that continued heavy rainfall and flooding, coupled with all of the Yazoo clay, moisture and wet soil underneath the roadway, could result in further dipping of the interstate at this location,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “This project is mandatory maintenance in preparation for the permanent repair.”

Similar hazards have sprung up on Highway 49 south, with a particularly large buckle near Pocahontas causing “several vehicles to catch air and their landing was not so good,” according to a post on social media.

 MDOT recently completed repairs on the I-55 access ramp from Fortification Street and expect more repair projects to follow.

To alert MDOT of urgent road conditions that might impact travel on roads and bridges, call 1-866-521-MDOT or click here.

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