Macomb County's chronic flooding issues along Kelly Road appear to be turning the corner with recent infrastructure efforts. According to CBS News Detroit, a significant blockage in the storm sewage system, responsible for frequent waterlogging, was removed. The Macomb County Public Works Commission cleared various debris, including logs, railroad ties, and tires, from the Teske Drain.
As reported by CBS News Detroit, persistent flooding rendered the road akin to "an ocean when it rains," as Trinity Fotion, a resident, described the situation. However, officials tackled the problem exacerbated by aging infrastructure. Public Works Commissioner Candice S. Miller said, "We've got to make sure that (the systems) are taken care of so that the water can flow. We feel really good about this project."
Candice S. Miller also recognized the situation's complexity, indicating that debris removal was more challenging due to the age of the pipes. According to information shared by The Detroit News, workers accessed the blockage through a manhole near the Canadian National railroad tracks south of 15 Mile Road. They vacuumed a 100-foot section of the drain to eradicate the sediment, which resulted in a 3-foot drop in the stormwater level.
The Teske Drain also benefited from clearing overgrown vegetation, which, according to The Detroit News, was impeding flow next to railway tracks. The drain banks, hindered by vegetation that was also cleared, were graded and armored with limestone in a bid to prevent future erosion. Yet, ongoing work ensues as the county addresses other projects, aiming for completion with no exact dates provided.
