UPDATE: MDOT Flooded Highway Status Report – Opening Dates Announced for Many Roadways

JACKSON, MISS., Tuesday, May 31, 2011— The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) would like to inform motorists of the following roadway information update. The Mississippi Department of Transportation is working in conjunction with the Corps of Engineers to provide accurate information regarding the high flood water at the Mississippi River. MDOT is continuously working to update survey data along with the Corps of Engineers who are updating their inundation maps to identify the affected roadways. “After many days of collaboration with the Corp of Engineers, we are happy to announce that we have updated information on re-openings throughout the state,” said Central District Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall. “ I would like to thank our MDOT men and women for their time and effort in completing the necessary inspections and making our roads safe for motorists. Additionally, we appreciate the patience of the traveling public throughout this process. I encourage folks to check www.gomdot.com for the latest updates on re-openings.” Flooded Highway Status Report (5-31-2011) A BRIEF WORD ABOUT RE-OPENING HIGHWAYS – MDOT crews are busy inspecting, testing and repairing flood-affected roadways where floodwaters have receded in preparation for getting them re-opened.  We will continue to monitor floodwater levels on roadways that remain inundated.  In consultation with the Corps of Engineers we have made estimates on when the roads may be re-opened.  These estimates will be revisited on a regular basis and revised as needed. These dates are merely estimates based on the most current information and should be used for planning purposes only.  Be sure to check www.gomdot.com for updates.  It is MDOT’s goal to return these highways to service as quickly as possible while at the same time keeping the safety of the travelling public at the forefront. •       US 49W – Humphreys & Yazoo Counties – Whittington Channel South of Silver City to Yazoo River (10 miles)  – Opening Date – June 1, 2011 @ 12:00 Noon o   The underlying pavement drainage systems have allowed floodwaters to drain out of the pavement sufficiently to re-open this road as scheduled.  MDOT crews are presently working to prepare the road for traffic.   Extreme caution should be used when this highways reopens due to soft shoulders and standing water in adjacent areas. •       US 61/SR 3 – Warren County – North of Vicksburg at the US 61/SR 3 intersection near Redwood to Backwater Levee (4.5 miles) – Opening Date – June 1, 2011 @ 12:00 Noon o   The thru lanes and ramps are now clear of water.  The underlying pavement drainage systems have allowed floodwaters to drain out of the pavement sufficiently to re-open this road as scheduled.  MDOT crews are presently working to prepare the road for traffic.   Extreme caution should be used when this highways reopens due to soft shoulders and standing water in adjacent areas. •       US 61 – Warren & Claiborne Counties- South of Vicksburg  at the Big Black River (4.5 miles) – Estimated opening date – June 3, 2011 o   The floodwater has receded from the roadway but inspections and tests have identified some potential problems with the pavement.  Further testing is now being performed in order to evaluate the structural integrity of the roadway and to determine needed repairs. •       SR 16 / SR 149 (Old Hwy 49W) – Yazoo County – Whittington Auxiliary Channel to Erickson Road (2.0 miles) – Estimated opening date – Mid June 2011 o   At present, the floodwater is over 2.5’ deep on this road at its deepest point.  Floodwaters will have to recede significantly before cleanup and inspection can be performed. •       SR 16 / SR 149 (Old Hwy 49W) – Yazoo County –Erickson Road to Yazoo River ( 7 miles)– Opening Date– June 1, 2011 @ 12:00 Noon o   Floodwaters have receded completely on this segment.  Further cleanup, inspection, and testing are being performed to prepare the road for re-opening.  Initially, this segment will be opened to local traffic only until the remaining segment near the Whittington Channel can re-opened at a later date. •       SR 465 – Warren & Issaquena County between US 61 & Eagle Lake (10 miles) –  Estimated opening date – Mid to Late June 2011 o   Floodwaters are currently 6’ over the road at the deepest point.  Floodwaters will have to recede significantly before any work is done on this segment. • SR 24 – Wilkinson County near Fort Adams – The water has receded and the highway is scheduled to be opened to traffic on June 1 @ 12:00 noon. GRAND GULF EVACUATION ROUTE CHANGES: • US 61 – Claiborne County – Due to possible flooding on US 61, Sectors 1, 2A and 2B will use SR 462 to SR 27. MDOT would also like to remind the public that a portion of I-20 near Edwards is closed to wide load traffic and Highway 27 has a width restriction of 12 feet between Utica and Vicksburg. MDOT remind motorists to visit the website at www.goMDOT.com for a list of road closures and highway reopening dates. Also, you can call MDOT Call Center at (866) 521-6368 for roadway information. For the most up-to-date information in your area, please visit www.MSTraffic.com and sign up for your traffic alerts.  Also, visit http://www.mstraffic.com/mobile to get the latest traffic information from MSTraffic.com on your mobile device. MDOT advises the public to pull off the road to a safe location if you need to check the MSTraffic.com website while driving. MDOT’s number one concern is the safety of the traveling public. For more information, contact the MDOT Public Affairs Division at 601-359-7074.]]]]> ]]>