Saint Paul To Close Water Street Due To Rising Mississippi River

SAINT PAUL, MN — Saint Paul is temporarily closing Water Street-Lilydale Road beginning Thursday, April 26 at 6 p.m. due to forecasted rising water levels of the Mississippi River. Water Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Highway 13 and Plato Boulevard.

Following rapid snowmelt, the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Mississippi River at Saint Paul affecting Dakota, Ramsey and Washington County.

Both the Pool and Yacht Club and Harriet Island remain open to visitors at this time.

“With more than 17 miles of Mississippi riverfront, we closely monitor river levels and National Weather Service forecasts,” said Public Works Director Kathy Lantry in a statement. “Closing Water Street is a preventative action for anticipated flooding. We will continue to monitor the spring melt and respond as needed.”

Currently, the Mississippi is measuring at a level of 10.5 feet, which is not considered flood stage. Temporarily closing Water Street is a precautionary measure and part of the city’s flood response plan.

No other streets or roads of Saint Paul are threatened by rising river levels at this time. The last time the city closed Water Street due to anticipated flooding was 2014.

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