Underpass Flooding

Flooded underpass safety

During severe storms, an underpass can go from normal to flooded within minutes. Intense rain can cause our drainage system to flood, collecting in large pools of water in an underpass. Vehicles entering a flooded underpass can become partially submerged.

Tips to help you stay safe when driving in a storm

 Never drive through a flooded underpass or road

• Even if the water looks shallow do not enter, it can be deeper than it appears.
• It takes as little as two feet of water to cause problems for most vehicles.
• There may be hidden dangers, such as missing manhole covers, that could damage your vehicle.

 Don’t stop in an underpass to protect your car from hail

• An underpass can flood very quickly and is not a safe space to wait out a storm.

 Avoid underpasses during a storm

• If you typically have an underpass on your way home, look for an alternate route. Find a different way to ensure you avoid flooded underpasses when there’s a storm.
• If a storm starts on your route, approach underpasses with caution.

 Let us know if you see a flooded underpass

• Call (780) 412-4500 to report a flooded underpass or road in Edmonton.

A flooded underpass safety message from EPCOR

Underpass flooding dangers

During severe summer storms, the water level in underpasses can rise within minutes and cause vehicles to become partially submerged. It takes as little as 2 feet or half a metre of water to cause problems for most vehicles.

Edmonton is piloting improved public warning signs and an education campaign about underpass flooding to warn drivers to use alternate routes in severe weather.

Two underpass flooding incidents occurred on the Whitemud in July 2016. As part of the pilot project improved signs, including responsive digital signs, have been placed at the 106 and 111 Street underpass locations on Whitemud Drive to help educate drivers about the dangers at these specific locations.

• 8 static “Road may flood” signs on Whitemud Drive in advance of each of the underpasses
• 4 digital message boards in advance of underpass adjacent exit ramps using messages to warn drivers of the underpass condition
• 4 large format gauges with measurement marks in the underpasses to indicate water levels during a flooding event

Digital sign messages will warn drivers of a flooding event in the 106 Street or 111 Street underpasses - ROAD FLOODED, USE ALTERNATE ROUTE. This message will remain in place until the roadway is safe for travel.