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MDOT crews preparing for heavy rain after flood shuts down part of the Southfield freeway

State and county crews on standby
Posted at 10:32 PM, Aug 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-15 23:21:06-04

With heavy rain on the way during the early morning hours, expect to see MDOT crews on the roads.

"Since we've already had some of it, we may start to get some flooding," said MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross.

MODT is working with its partners in Wayne County to keep the roads from being inundated.

"Everybody's already kind of on standby," says Cross.

Cross said a lot of area freeways are lower than ground level and are susceptible to flooding. Pump houses and catch basins are being checked to make sure they can handle the rain.

A power outage at pump house earlier this month caused a flood on the Southfield Freeway near Tireman that brought traffic to a standstill.

"That water wasn't being pumped off the road and, unfortunately, that happened during rush hour which gave us those tremendous delays," Cross said.

As MDOT prepares, it's asking drivers to exercise caution if they are on the roads during heavy rain.

"Do not drive through standing water. It's just unsafe. No matter if you're late for work, late for home don't do it. It's not worth the risk."