Now that the Pearl River floodwaters have receded, some of the damage is being exposed, particularly on two roads.
Three sections on Old Foxworth Road in Columbia have washout from where the river raged at high velocity across the road. In all three places gas, fiber and sewer lines have been exposed.
Mike McDaniel with the city water department said they repaired a gas leak on the road Wednesday and hope to have all the utility lines set and running again by the end of next week. As for the road itself, it is currently not passable. The timeframe of how long it will take to repair the road is unknown at this time.
The Board of Aldermen voted Monday to request Gov. Tate Reeves declare a state of emergency for Marion County to allow for federal and state funds to be available for repairs and clean-up.
On the county side, Mississippi 587 on the west side of the Pearl experienced some wash out between Foxworth and Morgantown. Also in the same area there is a deep hole on the east side of the road, which is full of water keeping the northbound lane inundated.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation was working on the road Thursday to place a temporary patch on the washed-out area and also to pump the water out. Getting that water off the east side of the road would allow traffic to resume between Foxworth and Morgantown, according to Matt Dugas with MDOT.
Regarding Mississippi 43, Dugas said even though the water covered the road, it rose and fell at a slow pace, preventing any damage.
The Pearl crested Sunday at 25.6 feet and was at 22.8 feet as of Thursday. It's not expected to fall below the flood stage of 17 feet until the middle of next week, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
