The Mississippi Department of Transportation reopened a section of state Route 9 in Choctaw County on July 1 after repairing a landslide. The project repaired 565 feet of roadway. The work included removing unstable material, installing new drainage structures and reinforcing the roadway with steel pilings. The highway between Ackerman and Eupora was closed approximately 6 miles north of state Route 12 in February after persistent rainfall caused dangerous cracking and pavement failure. A $1.1 million emergency contract was awarded in April to Cook & Son LLC of Smithville for the repair work. Commissioner John Caldwell, Northern Transportation District, said about 1,800 motorists use the stretch of highway each day. “Many people have asked: 'What is MDOT doing during the pandemic?' While it's hardly business as usual, there is much ongoing. Scheduled projects, emergency repairs and everyday maintenance can't stop. For everyone working with added risk to support and complete projects like the repairs to Highway 9 in Choctaw County: Thank you! For the traveling public who remain patient during these difficult times: Thank you, too," Caldwell said. "It is encouraging to see everyone come together to respond, design, repair, contract, construct and endure.” While the highway has reopened to motorists, crews may still be present on the roadside completing final work items. Motorists are reminded to slow down, move over and avoid distractions through work zones. For more information about MDOT projects and current road conditions, visit , download the newly updated MDOT Traffic mobile app and follow @MississippiDOT on social media.
