9 investigates: Storm delays drivers, delays workers widening Independence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This week's rain created a mess for drivers Tuesday morning on Independence Boulevard.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said the flooding was caused by construction in the area.

When workers for Devere Construction walked off the job, the drainage pipes were disconnected and the new contractor has not finished the reconnection work, which caused the road to flood.

It was the latest in a string of inconveniences for drivers who have been dealing with the construction for more than three years.

Queen City Food Mart manager Aaron Gebrehiwot said the construction has caused "big, big, big problems."

Gebrehiwot said the construction right outside the store's door on Independence Boulevard continues to serve up challenges.

First, the store was forced to relocate. It also noticed a drop in business as drivers struggled to navigate the barrels.

“This has been going on a really long time. It backs stuff up on a daily basis,” said Mallory Hudson, who works near the construction.

"It's really hard for customers to come in and go out on Independence,” Gebrehiwot said.

The manager partly blames the construction for causing his car accident Monday.

"A lady was trying to make a U-turn and ran right into me and totaled my car," he said.

A crew shut down two lanes Tuesday after the road flooded.

In a 9 investigation, Eyewitness News learned that Devere employees walked off the job in January over a pay dispute with NCDOT.

Lane Construction signed on to take over the project in March.

After multiple requests, NCDOT has not confirmed whether the delays will have a long-term impact on the future of the project.

A representative said Lane Construction is working on a schedule for the remainder of the project. As soon as that schedule is finished, the company will know whether the project is still on track to meet its original deadline of October 2016.

Trees topple after severe weather rolls through

Channel 9 also saw many fallen trees across the area after the storms rolled through.

There was a lot of damage on Thermal Road at Terrace Drive in southeast Charlotte Tuesday morning.

A massive tree fell across the road and appeared to crush at least one car.

A neighbor told Channel 9 he heard it fall from half a block away.

“Heard big bangs,” said John Hipp. “I thought maybe it was a transformer popping or something like that. Then little bit later, heard a big crack and pop.”

No one was hurt.

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