Charleston, Missouri - The Mississippi County Sheriff's Department that the levee between Bird's Point - New Madrid is now closed to traffic until the river stages return to below 43 feet at Cairo and 34 feet at New Madrid.

They must maintain these precautions so no unnecessary strain is put on the levee.

The National Weather Service is now predicting the river will crest at 51 feet at Cairo on May 6th, which is well above the 40 foot flood stage. At New Madrid the river will reach 47 feet, 14.8 feet above flood stage, on May 7th.

Route 51 (Chester Bridge) to Close Thursday, May 4
Check Conditions on Traveler Information Map Before You Go

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) anticipates closing the Mississippi River MO 51 (Chester Bridge) at noon on Thursday, May 4. Due to increased Mississippi River levels and current crest level predictions, MoDOT has determined it necessary to close the bridge to prevent additional flooding in Perry County. Travelers need to make plans to find alternate routes to travel from Missouri to Illinois.

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map to stay current on all flooding closures at http://traveler.modot.org/map/. The map is also available as a free app on iTunes and Google play listed as MoDOT Traveler Information. You can also call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) for up-to-date information.  

Missouri - Interstate I-55 is expected to close overnight according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

In addition, Route 61/67 and Route 231/Telegraph at the Meramec are also expected to close overnight.

Route 21/Tesson Ferry at the Meramec River and Route 141 at Romaine Creek are expected to close today or tonight.

Stay up to date at http://traveler.modot.org/map/

Stoddard County, Missouri - Crews with PWSD 4 work to repair a 6 inch water main break near the end of Hwy AD Sunday afternoon.  

Repairs were delayed most of the day because on call utility locate personal were unable to respond due to high water issues across southeast Missouri.

Photo by Tim Fowler.

Jefferson City, Missouri - In response to flooding and the state of emergency declared over the weekend, the Missouri Department of Transportation will allow heavier than normal truckloads of rock, sand and gravel to travel on Missouri highways.

The allowance will help get flood-fighting supplies to communities and expedite needed repairs of roads, levees, railroads, etc.

While the waiver is in effect, private and for-hire motor carriers may carry up to 10 percent more than their licensed weight on Missouri highways.

The waiver will remain in effect for through May 31. While the waiver is in effect, participating motor carriers are limited to:
• A loaded, gross weight no greater than ten percent (10%) above the gross licensed weight of the commercial motor vehicle;
• Transportation of rock, sand and gravel only within the State of Missouri;
• Drivers must obey posted bridge weight limits;
• When crossing a bridge, the driver must restrict the vehicle speed to no more than thirty miles per hour (30 mph);
• Travel is only allowed on non-interstate highways. NO TRAVEL IS ALLOWED ON MISSOURI INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS.