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High Water Starts to Recede

Bridge
Jeff Feltman
The Route 51 Bridge at Chester

Officials in Jackson County continue to monitor water levels and levee conditions on the Mississippi and Big Muddy Rivers.
They say water in both rivers is receding, and levees appear to be holding. But, the voluntary evacuation recommended by county officials will remain in place until river levels recede even further to take pressure off the levees.

One spot on the Big Muddy River levee that was undergoing construction prior to flooding remains a particular concern. Other points on the Big Muddy River levee have experienced what officials term "slides", or areas where saturated soils have slid off the face of the levee.

Officials anticipate lifting the evacuation recommendation on Wednesday or Thursday.

Once the evacuation recommendation has been lifted, Jackson County will continue to provide volunteer support while residents move back into their homes. Volunteers wishing to help in this effort, or those seeking volunteer assistance, can call the volunteer support center at 618-534-9212.

A number of roads have re-opened, but many remain closed. Current road closures are shown at www.JacksonCountyEMA.com.

The Missouri Department of Transportation says the Route 51 Bridge over the Mississippi River that connects Chester with Perry County, Missouri reopened Monday at 7 p.m.

The bridge closed December 29 due to high water that shut off the entrance on the Missouri side.

 

As a news producer and news anchor on All Things Considered, Brad provides the listeners with a recap of the day's top local and state news as well as breaking news at any given time. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiunews@wsiu.org
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