With the Mississippi River rising with the fast-melting snow, St. Paul officials have decided to close Water Street while it's still dry.
Beginning Thursday at 6 p.m., the city will close Water Street/Lilydale Road between Hwy. 13 and Plato Boulevard. The closure will not block visitor access to Harriet Island or the Pool and Yacht Club. Not yet, anyway.
"With more than 17 miles of Mississippi riverfront, we closely monitor river levels and National Weather Service forecasts," said St. Paul Public Works Director Kathy Lantry. "Closing Water Street is a preventative action for anticipated flooding. We will continue to monitor the spring melt and respond as needed."
The Mississipi River in downtown St. Paul is currently at 10.5 feet, which is not considered flood stage. No other streets or roads in St. Paul are threatened by rising river levels at this time. The last time Water Street was closed in anticipation of flooding was 2014.
