Grass fire stalls southbound traffic on I-55

A grass fire on the side of I-55 north of the Madison exit has left one southbound lane open to through traffic, authorities say.

Madison Police Captain Kevin Newman said though one lane is open, traffic is “heavy and the area should be avoided if possible.

“Motorists should avoid the area if at all possible,” Newman said. “The fires are under control and one lane is reopened southbound but traffic is still heavy.” 

Madison Police say the fire was reported around 1:32 p.m. 

“This is due to several large grass fires that stretch from the 109-mile marker to the 107-mile marker in the Madison city limits,” MPD said. “Please use caution in the area while our fire department are working tirelessly to get everything under control.” 

By 353 p.m. Madison Police announced that the left lane of I-55 southbound is now open near mile marker 109 just north of the Highway 463 exit to Madison.

“Please continue to use caution in the area and use safe speeds,” MPD said.

Motorists are currently being directed to Gluckstadt Rd for an alternate route. 

“Northbound on Interstate 55 through Madison is not affected but please use caution and keep a safe speed,” MPD said.

For further information, the MPD Facebook page which is titled "Madison (MS) Police Department", or the Mississippi Department of Transportation traffic map.