METRO DETROIT (WWJ) - It's a wet, dreary start to the Thursday morning commute for drivers in Metro Detroit as a pair of jackknifed semis on I-696 is causing "tremendous" traffic troubles
"It's not a very good scene," WWJ's Charlie Langton reported live on I-696 at Mound Road where one of the wrecked semi trucks has completely closed all lanes heading west as crews work to clear the freeway.
According to Michigan State Police, the semi truck appeared to strike a wall just after 5 a.m. While no injuries were reported, troopers said the truck is leaking fuel and will take awhile to clean up.
"They just put another tow truck out there to try and move this jackknifed semi," Langton said. "State police, Warren police are on the scene. All lanes are blocked so you are standing still, you cannot move on westbound I-696 at Mound."
But that's not the only problem out on the roads.
A second jackknifed semi is also causing "tremendous" traffic troubles on eastbound I-696 near Dequindre in Madison Heights, Langton reported.
"It's a mess in this area," Langton added.
At this time, little information about the second crash has been released. It is unknown if other vehicles were involved and if anyone was hurt.
Only the left lane is open for drivers to get by.
"That's in a terrible area, too. That's causing a tremendous, tremendous backup over there as well," Langton added. "I'll tell you, I was just on the Service Drive going both ways east and west between say Dequindre and Ryan and Mound and that's getting all congested, too."
WWJ traffic reporter KT agreed.
"If you're heading west from Roseville, St. Clair Shores -- don't even get on," she advised. "The freeway is jammed from before Hoover to Mound... It's a parking lot."
KT urged drivers to take 12 Mile Road as an alterative route. Those stuck in the backup are being forced off at Mound Road right into a construction zone -- but KT said commuters would fare better on that route than taking 8 Mile.
"Stay away clear of 8 Mile Road," KT warned. "There's construction both ways between Woodward and Van Dyke and the jackknifed semi.
For those heading east, KT advised drivers to exit at Woodward or Campbell Hilton and head to 12 Mile Road to get around the second jackknifed semi.
MSP warned drivers to be patient and slow down as they take to the roads Thursday morning.
"Rain and drivers going too fast in it has produced a rough morning commute," troopers said. "You may want to get an early start if you want to be on time! And you already know. Slow down."
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ LIVE for the latest updates.
