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Westbound I-94 reopens, eastbound still closed in Detroit after weekend floods
The water and cleanup on the westbound lanes of I-94 are done but the eastbound lanes are going to need major work before they're safe for drivers again.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - MDOT says westbound I-94 between W. Grand Blvd and Michigan Ave will be reopened after the water, debris, and more have been cleared out of the road following Friday night's flooding. Meanwhile, eastbound will be closed for several more days, possibly two weeks.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) said three westbound lanes of the freeway will reopen around 4 p.m., except near West Grand Boulevard, which will be narrowed to two lanes.
The eastbound ramp to I-96 and to westbound I-94 will remain closed during the repairs.
The good news is that all lanes are expected to be reopened after the holiday weekend.
The eastbound lanes, however, will remain closed for extensive repairs in a few areas, which may take more than a week or two to be complete.
The detour around the eastbound closure is to take Michigave Ave into Detroit or northbound Southfield Freeway to eastbound I-96 to eastbound I-94.
The freeway was closed Friday night into Saturday morning between I-96 to Greenfield as several inches of rain fell.
RELATED: Detroit sets up an emergency line for flood victims after weekend rain
MDOT said there are no backup generators for its 140 pump houses, which is why when the power went out, the bumps couldn't start.
For people who live in the neighborhood, they told FOX 2 they feel trapped and, after what happened just 7 years ago. they can't afford this.
Elizabeth Gonzalez is a community activist in southwest Detroit and told FOX 2 that she lost her furnace, water tank, washer, and drier. She said people are calling and asking when help will arrive.
"They're calling me and asking me when do we think we will see the FEMA money," she said.
It could be a while as the area has not been declared a federal disaster and, once that happens, it could be weeks before FEMA can investigate.