MADISON COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – A traffic switch has been planned for U.S. 49 in Madison County after excessive heat caused several roadway buckles to form.

According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), traffic is temporarily being placed in a head-to-head configuration on U.S. 49 northbound due to the roadway buckles on U.S. 49 southbound.

Crews will place traffic in the new configuration on July 29. This will take place on U.S. 49 between 1st Street and Petrified Forest Road.

After a roadway buckle formed in the left lane of U.S. 49 last week that resulted in a temporary lane closure, MDOT officials said another buckle has formed in the right southbound lane in the same area due to excessive heat, resulting in a temporary shutdown of the southbound side of U.S. 49.

Officials said the head-to-head configuration will allow traffic to continue traveling both north and south on the northbound side of U.S. 49 as crews work to repair the affected areas in the coming weeks. Drivers should slow down, eliminate distracted driving, use caution and be on high alert for roadside crews and signage as repairs are made.