Water Street to remain closed through forecasted spring flooding of Mississippi River
SAINT PAUL (March 14, 2019) – The City of Saint Paul has temporarily closed Water Street/Lilydale Road beginning Thursday, March 14 at noon, due to water pooling on the street from recent rain and snow melt. Water Street will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic between Hwy 13 and Plato Boulevard. Both the Pool and Yacht Club and Harriet Island remain open to visitors at this time. Saint Paul Public Works will keep Water Street closed through the forecasted spring flooding of the Mississippi River.
“Today’s closing of Water Street is a direct result of localized street flooding from recent rain,” said Kathy Lantry, City of Saint Paul’s Director of Public Works. “We continue to monitor the National Weather Service’s flood forecasts with the spring melt and will keep Water Street closed until the anticipated flood waters have receded.”
Currently, the Mississippi River is measuring at a level of just over four feet, which is not considered flood stage. City departments have been planning for forecasted spring flooding. 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. 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.
Last year, the City closed Water Street on April 26, 2018, due to anticipated flooding.
For more information and updates, please visit http://www.stpaul.gov
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Hiebert, APR
City of Saint Paul, Public Works Department
Lisa.hiebert@ci.stpaul.mn.us