DETROIT (WWJ) - Drivers making their way into work on Tuesday morning have more than just rain to deal with after a semi truck jackknifed and smashed into a median wall on I-75 in Detroit.
WWJ's Mike Campbell reported that scene was now clear, but traffic back ups remained after crews moved a wrecked 18-wheeler that had blocked all lanes on southbound I-75 just after Schaefer.
The semi crashed into the left median wall just before 5 a.m. on Aug. 15.
"They're still trying to get some of the semi wreckers into this scene," Mike said in an earlier report. "I just had one pass me on the right hand side. I've been in this back up now for a while trying to find a way around this."
Campbell warned if you get off I-75, "don't expect to get back on" as there aren't many entrances to the freeway that appear to be open.
WWJ traffic reported KT described the scene earlier as a "sea of semis" as traffic slowly squeaked by on the right shoulder.
"I-75 northbound is just jammed because of this work zone," KT said. "I-75 northbound from Telegraph all the way to Schaefer, only your left lane open -- it's about a 30 minute ride through this work zone."
While northbound Telegraph northbound was a better alternative, KT said those heading into work should leave earlier or prepare for backups as many drivers were taking Telegraph Road northbound to I-94 to get around the crash.
KT said drivers not only dealt with the jackknifed semi and construction zone, but torrential downpours and even other drivers slowing down to look at the wrecked semi are all caused issues in the area.
"It's just a sea of semis backed up from before Schaefer. It's the northbound side that's parking lot. Northbound telegraph to Schafer with only that left lane open in that constructions. We've got gawkers and flooding on I-75 both ways north and south between Eight and Nine Mile roads," KT added.
At this time, it is unknown what caused the crash or if there were any injuries. Crews on still on the scene investigating.
MPS said in an early morning post that rain across the area has attributed to several preventable crashes -- one even including a patrol car -- and advised drivers to go slow and move over for emergency vehicles.
"Troopers had a busy night policing several preventable crashes. Drivers continue to go too fast in the rain," state police said. "We expect the same weather today. We also had one patrol car hit overnight. It's the same message, slow down in the rain and move over when passing emergency vehicles."
