Flooding anticipated in Salem as rain moves through

SALEM, Mass. — With heavy rains forecasted Thursday evening, drivers and emergency vehicles in Salem are anticipating flooding.

Canal Street usually floods after heavy rain, with water several feet deep, ruining vehicles. Salem Fire Chief David Cody said chronic flooding is a major safety hazard and impacts how quickly they respond to emergencies

"We always end up on Canal Street with cars floating in the water so it's just impossible for us or the police to make it through," he said.

Cody said ambulances heading to and from Salem hospital also have to use other roads.

At Salem State University, a sign warns drivers the parking lot is a flood area.

The city is now working on a $32 million project to improve the 1.25 mile road. The city plans to add a stormwater storage tank and pumping station under Salem State's parking lot large enough to hold 4 million gallons of water.

Another part of the plan would also help level out the road, which is raised in the middle.

"The road is at a 30 degree angle! the road is completely messed up!" said Warren Shore.

The project is set to start next spring and will take 18 months. It'll be a major disruption on the busy roadway, but Cody said it'll be worth it.

"Being able to pass is going to be great for us- it will get us to the other side of the city a lot quicker," he said.

The flooding has also impacted local businesses along Canal Street. Some are skeptical the road construction will actually help.

Cox Media Group