Michigan DOT crews are still trying to clear major interstates leading in and out of Detroit due to flooding, leaving motorists without a clear shot to their destination.
Traffic has been forced to use alternate routes to get around sections of I-696, I-75, I-94 and S.R. 39, which remain underwater. The biggest problem area appears to be on I-75 south of Dallas Avenue in Oakland County, where crews have been tackling an island of mud from a washed-out embankment beneath Stephenson Highway since 2 p.m. on Aug. 12. According to MDOT spokesman Craig Bryson, debris is being scooped up and placed into haul trucks. MDOT has set up a temporary station to pump water off the flooded section, but it could take another two days.
Twelve vehicles were pulled from floodwaters at the I-75 underpass below I-696, which also was surrounded in mud. Wayne County declared a state of emergency for it’s 43 communities on Aug. 12, but Gov. Rick Snyder had yet to follow suit at press time.
