SAINT PAUL, MN (June 20, 2024) – The City of Saint Paul, in coordination with Ramsey County, will close Shepard Road/Warner Road beginning Sunday, June 23 at 6 p.m. in anticipation of street flooding caused by rising water levels of the Mississippi River. A 3.2-mile stretch of Shepard Road/Warner Road, located along the north side of the Mississippi River along downtown Saint Paul, will be closed to vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic between Eagle Parkway and Highway 61. 

As part of this road closure, 2nd Street from Kellogg Boulevard to Sibley Street will be closed and Sibley Street and Jackson Street between Kellogg Boulevard and 2nd Street will be closed to through traffic. These one-way street segments that normally connect to Shepard Road will be temporarily converted to two-way traffic open only to access the buildings. Temporarily closing Shepard Road/Warner Road is part of the city’s Flood Response Plan when rising river levels near the moderate flood stage of 15 feet. 

Due to rising water levels in the Mississippi River, several parkland areas, trails, and facilities in Saint Paul have temporary closures. Before going to any Saint Paul parks, please check for updated facility, trail, and park closures on the website at www.stpaul.gov/flood: 

  • Chestnut Plaza 

  • Crosby Farm Regional Park – Low-lying trails 

  • Desnoyer Trail/Meeker Island Dog Park  

  • Fish Hatchery Trail  

  • Harriet Island pavilion and public dock (effective June 23) 

  • Hidden Falls Regional Park - boat launch and low-lying trails  

  • Kelly's Landing 

  • Lower Landing Park – park, dog park and Lambert’s Landing dock 

  • Lilydale Regional Park (including boat launch) 

  • Pig’s Eye Park 

  • Raspberry Island (effective June 23) 

  • Robert Piram Trail 

  • Upper Landing 

  • Victoria Park  

  • Watergate Marina 

Please use caution while exploring areas close to the river. Water levels can change quickly. Follow all posted signage and safety guidance. Do not pass barricades. 

As part of Saint Paul’s flood response plan, the city is contacting property owners along the river who might be impacted, as well as the HART team who is working with any unsheltered or encampments that might be currently located in areas that are prone to river flooding.   

The city will keep several road closures, along with several park areas and facilities, closed until the Mississippi River water levels have receded and everything can be safely cleared and reopened for public use. 

“Seeing the Mississippi River water levels rise in summer due to heavy rains is a bit out of the norm for Saint Paul, but we have experienced this before,” said Sean Kershaw, City of Saint Paul’s Director of Public Works. "The temporary parks and road closures are necessary steps we take to protect public and private infrastructure for all. We encourage everyone to be prepared and plan alternate routes to get in, out, and around Saint Paul for the next few weeks.”  

Currently, the Mississippi River is measuring at a level of 11.5 feet and is expected to crest above 20 feet, according to the National Weather Service’s forecast. The City’s Flood Response Plan calls for initial action steps at a river level of 10 feet. Minor flood stage is reached at 14 feet. Moderate flood stage is at 15 feet. Major flood stage is at 17 feet.  

For more information and updates, please visit www.stpaul.gov/flood. 

# # # 

Last Edited: June 20, 2024