Community Corner
Flash Flooding Closes West Hartford Roads, Overwhelms Drainage Systems
In most cases, roads will eventually drain on their own once rain stops, but problems could recur if rain returns according to Director of Public Works.
John Phillips is wearing his waders, and has been out on the streets of West Hartford all morning.
“I’ve been in many intersections, I’ve been directing traffic, I’ve been yelled at,” said Phillips.
Flash flooding has been a serious problem throughout West Hartford this morning, with many instances of more water on the roads today than was experienced during Tropical Storm Irene last week.
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“The system is not meant to take five inches of rain in six hours duration,” said Phillips. “Our catch basin system is just not built to take that.”
Phillips said that roads have been closing and re-opening throughout the morning, depending on how quickly they drain. However, the following roads will remain closed for a longer time: , Still Lane, and Walbridge (dead end section near ).
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The Department of Public Works office has received reports of water over the roadway on many roads, some of which may have now drained. Those roads include: Birch Road, Brainard Road, Crabapple Road, The Crossways, intersection of Fairfield Road and Plainfield Road, Haynes Road, Lindy Lane, 360 North Main, and Stoneham Drive.
Mountain Road at Albany Avenue is now open, but motorists should watch out for debris that may still be in the roadway, Phillips said.
The intersection of King Philip Drive and Albany Avenue had been closed earlier today but is currently open, Phillips said. However, traffic in that area is still a problem because there are still cars that got stuck in the road trying to drive through the flood, said Phillips.
Phillips cautioned motorists to obey signs indicating road closures. “To move barricades is irresponsible. Even if you can’t see the water, it could be farther down the road. Let the system do its work and the road will drain eventually,” he said.
More rain is possible later today, and Phillips cautioned that even roads that have drained might have a reoccurrence later today. Public Works will continue to update the situation, but drivers should also use their common sense in flash flooding situations.
“If folks can’t see the asphalt, don’t drive on it,” Phillips said.
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