SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - Michigan State Police said it best: "Hate to start the morning like this but…." a semi truck crash is causing major traffic troubles for drivers heading east, but especially going west on I-696 in Southfield Wednesday morning.
Troopers said all westbound lanes of the freeway are closed and two eastbound lanes are blocked after an 18-wheeler traveling east slammed into the median wall around 6 a.m. and scattered steel coil rolls all over the road.
The debris will take significant time to clean up, authorities added. The route has been blocked going west with MSP diverting traffic to Telegraph Road.
Drivers are cautioned that the the left two lanes heading east are also impassable and to seek alternative routes as the morning commute picks up.
"Lane closures will likely be in place for hours due to the clean-up effort," troopers said in an update. "Stay away from I-696 in Southfield if you can."
Alternative routes include all mile roads, but drivers should expect to see heavy congestion on side streets due to the crash.
It is currently unknown if there are any injuries as a result of the crash. Troopers did not say if there were other vehicles involved and the condition of the semi truck driver was not released.
The cause of the crash remains unclear at this hour as authorities continue to investigate and clean up the scene.