Drivers Go Wrong Way On Southfield Freeway, Exit On Entrance Ramp To Escape Flooding
DEARBORN (WWJ) - Flooding is so bad on the Southfield Freeway through Dearborn, motorists are turning around and driving against the traffic to escape the rising water.
The situation unfolded early Tuesday morning, after overnight storms brought torrential rains to the metro area, flooding M-39 at Hubbard Road.
Motorists on the northbound side of the freeway tried to avoid the flood by turning their vehicles around and driving the wrong-way, up until they exited on an entrance ramp.
Richard Hodges, who works for Wayne County, said the deep water is just too much to handle.
Circle in front of cars on NB Sfld Fwy under Hubbard is overwhelmed pump pushing water BACK on fwy. @WWJ950 pic.twitter.com/przlE27Tox
— Mike Campbell (@reportermikec) June 23, 2015
"The system is overloaded," Hodges told WWJ's Mike Campbell. "It's pretty deep, I mean, it's just up to the bumpers on the cars right now. I'm guessing possibly two, three hours [before it's clear]. It depends on how well the pumps are getting rid of the water."
Police were eventually called to the scene to control traffic. A patrol car was parked at the entrance ramp, preventing wrong-way drivers from exiting and new drivers from getting on the freeway.