Beavers Blamed for Highway Ramp Flooding

Rodent plot uncovered by state workers

Beavers are to blame for flooding that closed an Interstate 65 ramp in Gary for three days, the Indiana Department of Transportation believes.

The ramp reopened Thursday night after the water was pumped out. The ramp closure prevented traffic from northbound I-65 to westbound I-80/94. [More NW Indiana roads are re-opening, some still with restrictions.]

The pipe that drains the area around the interchange was blocked with branches and other debris, apparently placed there by beavers, Highway Department spokeswoman Angie Fegaras said.

Water backed up at the interchange after several days of heavy rain.

Flooding has forced scattered road closures and some evacuations across northern Indiana.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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