Motorists who drive across the road atop Arkabutla Dam will need to find an alternate route beginning Monday, Oct. 27.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District announced the road will be closed for approximately two weeks for critical inspection work. Traffic will be rerouted to the road below the dam during that time.
The closure is necessary for crews to perform drilling and inspections. This work is a key step in gathering data for the design of a new intake structure and outlet, which are part of a long-term plan to address ongoing dam safety issues.
USACE officials also remind the public that all recreation areas below the dam remain closed to the public for safety reasons. These closures will remain in effect while the repair and planning operations are underway.
The Corps of Engineers found structural flaws in Arkabutla Dam in March 2023 and decided to draw the lake down as a safety precaution.
A hearing this summer at the Capitol in Jackson offered details on the seriousness of the problem and a gave a 10-year time line to begin design and then construction to fix the problem.
