SAINT PAUL (March 21, 2019) – On Sunday, March 24, 2019, the City of Saint Paul will close several streets in downtown Saint Paul to prepare for the forecasted flooding of the Mississippi River. The initial street closures are precautionary measures and a standard part of the City’s Flood Action Plan. Saint Paul Public Works will mobilize equipment and begin construction of temporary levees in targeted areas near Lowertown.
“We are closely monitoring the rising river levels and the developing flood forecasts, which indicate a high probability for major flooding in Saint Paul,” said Kathy Lantry, Director of Public Works. “Our city has a deliberate flood action plan, and we are working with other departments to protect our city’s infrastructure, property and people.”
The Flood Action Plan outlines specific mitigation actions to respond to rising water levels. At 10 feet above the ordinary high water level (OHWL), the Flood Action Plan measures are activated. On Sunday, the Mississippi River at Saint Paul is forecasted to be at the minor flooding stage of just over 14 feet above the OHWL.
Beginning at 10 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2019, Saint Paul Public Works will close:
- Warner/Shepard Road from Childs Road to Ontario Street (a private road, just east of Shepard Road and Eagle Parkway)
- 2nd Street from Kellogg Boulevard to Sibley Street
- 4th Street from Willius to Commercial Street
- Jackson Street from Warner Road to Kellogg Boulevard
- Sibley Street from Warner Road to Kellogg Boulevard
Click here for a PDF of the road closure map.
In addition, public works will reconfigure traffic flow on Jackson and Sibley (one-way streets), south of Kellogg, to allow two-way traffic to access surrounding businesses and parking ramps.
Last week, Saint Paul Public Works closed Water Street/Lilydale Road from Hwy 13 to Plato Boulevard due to localized street flooding from the recent rain and snow melt.
These streets will remain closed until the anticipated flood waters have safely receded and any needed clean-up efforts have been completed. Additional streets may be closed in the future if river levels continue to rise.
Yesterday, the City Council affirmed the Mayor’s Emergency Declaration which allows city leaders to more quickly mobilize emergency management resources and access additional funding, if needed.
For more information regarding flood preparations and updates on road closures, please visit www.stpaul.gov or https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/emergency-management/flood-preparations.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Hiebert, APR
City of Saint Paul, Public Works Department
Lisa.hiebert@ci.stpaul.mn.us