WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – Thousands of drivers were stuck in Metro Detroit after a small amount of rain caused unexpected flooding on a two-mile stretch of I-75.
It happened on Tuesday, June 24, on I-75, between 7 Mile and 9 Mile roads.
A spokesperson from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) explained that a power outage triggered the flooding at a pumping station.
MDOT brought in a generator to restore operations and clear the water.
The southbound and northbound lanes of I-75 between 7 Mile and 9 Mile roads were closed for several hours, causing disruptions to the evening commute.
So, what is MDOT doing to prevent future occurrences?
The department is currently installing backup generators.
While some pumping stations are already equipped with generators, approximately 80 more in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties are set to be installed.
MDOT couldn’t provide a timeline for when this installation work will be completed.