By BRENT MARTIN

St. Joseph Post

Floodwaters again have closed U.S. Route 59 in southern Buchanan County, cutting off the route into Atchison, Kansas.

Heavy rain the past few days caused flooding in the southern part of the county. U.S. Route 59 from Route 45 at Rushville to Atchison has been closed until the water recedes.

The Missouri Department of Transportation advises motorists to take Highway 36 into Kansas as an alternate route.

For updates on road conditions, click here for MoDOT’s special web page on northwest Missouri flooding.

MoDOT urges motorists to keep up-to-date on road conditions and to never enter a water-covered roadway or drive around barricades. Just a few inches of flood waters can force a vehicle off the roadway, according to MoDOT. Also, roads and shoulders can be damaged by flooding with the water hiding unsafe conditions.

MoDOT asks motorists not to drive around barricades. If you encounter flooded conditions, call MoDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service line at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636).