Mississippi State University has temporarily closed two of its residence halls due to a water main break near the buildings caused by the week’s spell of below-freezing temperatures.
According to a press release the university issued Thursday evening, Davenport Hall and Dogwood Hall have been closed while repairs are made on the water main. No damage has been reported inside the buildings. However, the university has turned off water to the residence halls while repairs are in progress.
The closure of the two buildings comes before classes for the spring 2018 semester begin on Monday. MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter said the university is asking students who live in the two residence halls not to return to campus while repairs are underway, if possible.
“They will be notified by email and may follow social media for updates,” Salter said.
On Facebook, Salter noted repairs on the water main may be completed as early as today and the university will continue to provide updates through the day. He added students impacted by the residence hall closures can get alternative housing on campus by contacting their on-duty residence assistance.
Davenport and Dogwood halls, located on the north side of campus, are the university’s newest residence halls. They opened for the fall 2016 semester and, combined, have approximately 750 beds.
Freezing temperatures have caused issues for Mississippi State in the past. In January 2014, below-freezing temperatures caused a pipe in Ruby Hall’s fire suppression system to burst, which damaged top-floor rooms in one of the residence hall’s wings. Magnolia and Oak halls also reported damage from pipe failures in the same freezing event.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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