UPDATED: Landslide worsens on HWY 178 in Lee County, detour in place

UPDATED: February 26, 2:40 PM

UPDATE: Mississippi Department of Transportation Geotechnical Division has been sent to land slide on State Route 178 to take core samples and survey the damage.

The saturated slope continued to slide overnight and has impacted about 300 feet of roadway.

The highway will be closed for the remainder of the week and possibly longer. The detour will remain in place.

With up to five inches of rain in this week’s forecast, crews will have limited opportunities to address any problems.

Additionally, a 36-inch water main break has been found near the slide which must be repaired by other agencies.

Original post:

Within the past hour, NAnewsweb.com received this information from MDOT about a highway closure due to land slide:

WHO: The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).

WHAT: A portion of State Route 178 is closed. Stay updated with live travel information at MDOTtraffic.com, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app or call Mississippi 511.

WHEN: Beginning Sunday, February 25, 2018.

WHERE: Between State Route 371 and Treeside Drive near Mooreville.

WHY: Heavy rain has caused a land slide along the shoulder impacting about 100 feet of roadway.

HOW: A four-mile detour is in place from State Route 371 to Interstate 22 to Eason Boulevard.

MDOT crews have placed warning signs by the road closure. Crews will assess the extent of the damage in the morning to determine the necessary emergency repairs. When emergencies happen, Mississippi tax dollars fund the repairs to keep Mississippi moving. With potential for severe weather throughout the weekend in portions of the state, find the latest on changing road conditions at http://MDOTtraffic.com.