Flooding caused considerable problems for truckers and passenger car drivers in Detroit over the weekend.
Heavy rains pounded Michigan on Thursday and Friday, causing significant flooding that is still wreaking havoc on transportation in Detroit and other sections of the state on Monday morning.
To make matters worse, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) stated that the power outages had a negative impact on pumping systems that drain water from streets.
“Dozens of motorway pump houses, which rely on power to push water off the freeways, were disrupted by the power outage. Temporary generators were placed into a number of sites, allowing all other freeways to reopen except I-94 in Detroit and I-75 between Greenfield Road and I-75 in Dearborn,” according to MDOT.
Dozens of semi-trucks were trapped on I-94 in the Detroit area due to waterlogged highways.
Over the weekend, the Michigan State Patrol (MSP) issued several cautions to drivers regarding driving through floodwaters.
“Here’s an example from actual life. From Rotunda, this lorry driver entered 94 and began plowing into the water. He wasn’t able to make it. Even if he had had the advantage of momentum, the freeway was closed due to waterlogged vehicles. In a June 27 tweet, MSP wrote, “He made it to shore before we arrived to him.”
Here is a real life example. This semi driver entered 94 from Rotunda and started plowing through the water. He didn’t make it. Even if he would have had the momentum, the freeway was blocked by submerged cars. He made it to shore before we got to him. pic.twitter.com/hWn1XEUqkp
— MSP Metro Detroit (@mspmetrodet) June 27, 2021
Finally in the things I would never thought I would have to say: Do not go into the water. This water has debris, sharp metal, submerged cars, gasoline and oil floating in it. There is also a good chance that there is sewage also in the water. In other words it’s gross! pic.twitter.com/R8cjIVrlpz
— MSP Metro Detroit (@mspmetrodet) June 27, 2021
MDOT says I-94 in Dearborn and Detroit is expected to remain closed for some time — before the interstate can reopen, the floodwaters must recede enough that tow trucks can come in and remove stranded or abandoned vehicles from the weekend.
MDOT suggests that drivers use I-96, M-10, and I-75 as detour routes during the I-94 closure.
On Monday morning, MSP provided next steps for drivers who were forced to abandon their vehicles in the high water: “If you abandoned your vehicle on the freeway contact your insurance company for your next steps. You can call the Metro South Post at 734.287.5000 with your plate number for information on where it is. Hopefully, the rain holds off a few more days.”
Follow this link for the latest road closure information from MDOT.