OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Orion Road in Oakland Township has been closed indefinitely after flooding washed a large chunk of it away near Dutton Road.
Drivers are urged to avoid the area. Vehicles will be detoured onto Tienken and Adams roads.
Background: ‘Just bonkers’: Residents wade through water after flash flooding in Oakland County
The flooding came after storms on Wednesday, July 16, caused the nearby Paint Creek to crest and flood onto Orion Road.
“There’s a culvert underneath that carries the water,” said Cindy Dingell, with the Road Commission for Oakland County. “Obviously, there was more water that came through than that culvert could handle, causing it to wash above and wash out some of the utilities. There’s a water main under there that’s compromised and a gas main as well.”
Crews are currently on site working to stabilize the road so utility repairs can begin. The road will remain closed indefinitely as crews plan to rebuild the damaged section and address the compromised culvert.
Authorities urge the public to avoid the area and exercise caution.
“It looks neat with all the water over the road, but it’s actually a dangerous situation,” Dingell said. “Please talk to your children. This is not a fun area to be in right now.”
John Bausano lives next to Paint Creek. He says the creek often floods during heavy rain, completely submerging nearby Canyon Road and blocking off access to homes on the street. He says neighbors have started taking precautions to be prepared for the flooding.
“We help each other out,” Bausano said. “Everyone parks near my house so we can get easily in and out of Orion Road.”
While the flooding has been an ongoing issue, he says this is the first time he’s seen the creek overflow onto Orion Road. He’s hoping now that county officials will have to rebuild the intersection, that steps can be taken to prove drainage in the area.
“Figuring where it is now, the road is going to have to be shut down for awhile, I think the county is going to have to step up,” Bausano said. “Do it right this time and fix our roads.”
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