News

Actions

Crews working around the clock to clear I-94

Posted at 10:49 PM, Jan 10, 2015
and last updated 2015-01-10 23:48:12-05

GALESBURG, Mich.-- It's been over 30 hours since crews started working to clear 1-94, and since Friday morning they have cleared almost every car. Road crews still a lot to get done before anyone can drive on that stretch of the highway.

Only four semi-trucks left blocking the roadway of 1-94 as of Saturday evening, but MDOT and Michigan State Police say before they can clear them off the roadway they had to get rid of hazardous material.

“I've never seen anything like it,” said Lt. Dave Wood of Michigan State Police of the Battle Creek post.

MDOT, medical crews, and towing companies have been shuffling in and out to get 189 cars off the roads, with only for trucks remaining, since yesterday, but their biggest problem: chemicals.

“I do know the truck that had chemicals in it, is on its side. That's why it was leaking through the top,” said Lt. Wood.

So a hazmat crew geared up to clean the acid on the road, and pump out the remainder of chemical in the truck.

“Everybody will be making sure the acid is cleared, and once we determine things are ok we will be opening the West bound lane,” said Lt. Wood.

Once the chemicals are cleaned up, they'll remove the trucks, and then its MDOT’s turn.

“The final piece is MDOT had to get in there and inspect the roadway, and they have to make repairs,” said Lt. Wood.