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Flooding a concern for rural Colbert County roads

By Josh Ault  bio|e-mail

LEIGHTON, AL (WAFF)  Emergency officials in the Shoals are keeping a close eye on several rural roads.  Many are on the verge of flooding.

At the intersection of 6th Street and Fennel Road in western Colbert County, flooding is a problem. On Monday, water partially covered the roads at the intersection.  A few inches of water covered both sides of the road.

"Every time we get a rain like this," said Justin Pennington, whose girlfriend lives on 6th Street, "It floods."

Pennington said he is always careful driving after a heavy rain. Most of the flooding in the area is caused by poor drainage in crop fields.

"If we have to go towards Leighton, or toward town, we have to drive 10 miles out of the way to get anywhere," said Jeremiah Holland, who grew up on 6th Street.

Holland said the road is dangerous. One of his relatives wrecked there.

"Thought the water wasn't that deep. Water pushed him off the road" said Holland.

Residents who live there hope Colbert County leaders can do something about the drainage in the area.

"Maybe build the road up," said Holland. "It would help out a lot."

"I believe they can do something about it," added Pennington.

For now, crews have placed barricades on the side of the road, just in case they need to close the roads. They are asking drivers to slow down if they come upon a flooded road.  If the road is closed, they're asked to please turn around and find an alternate route.

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