TATE COUNTY, Miss. — The section of Highway 51 at the Coldwater River Bridge remained closed Monday, due to recent flooding damage.
MDOT trucks and barricades blocked cars at the Tate and DeSoto County line from accessing the bridge.
Flood waters were still too high for crews to inspect the extent of the bridge’s damage.
“As quickly as the water recedes, our crews, our bridge inspectors and crews, will get back out there and get underneath the bridge and determine exactly what the cause of the sagging is,” MDOT Public Information Officer Jason Scott said.
MDOT said there is about a 4-inch crack.
Drivers in the area hope to see the water recede so crews can get the bridge checked out and patched up soon.
“We hope that they can get out real soon to look at it you know because I know a lot of fishermen do go up on that highway. I know they’ll be glad when the water go down,” driver Curtistine Calmese said.
The Flash Market on 51 expects the bridge closure could impact business somewhat, but manager Elyas Kabir said most customers live in Coldwater or come off I-55 and do not cross the bridge.
“Yes, we say it might affect a little bit but not that much. I’m worried for the people living next to the bridge or the people who go to fish just by the point there.”
MDOT said the closure is for safety.
Folks understand the next step is waiting.
“Well, there’s nothing you can do about it,” Kabir said.
MDOT does not have a specific timeline of when the bridge could reopen. After the water recedes, there will be bridge inspections, then possible repairs.