Shepard/Warner Road will close this Sunday due to expected flooding on the Mississippi River.

A 3.2-mile section of the road — on the north side of the Mississippi River along downtown St. Paul — will be closed to vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic from Eagle Parkway to U.S. Highway 61.

As part of the closure, Second Street from Kellogg Boulevard to Sibley Street will be closed and Sibley Street and Jackson Street between Kellogg Boulevard and Second Street will be closed to traffic. These one-way street sections that normally connect to Shepard will temporarily be converted to two-way traffic open only to access the buildings.

The temporary closing of Shepard/Warner Road is part of the city’s flood response plan when rising river levels approach the moderate flood stage of 15 feet.

Meanwhile, the rising waters also mean several parkland areas, trails, and facilities in St. Paul will be temporarily closed.

Those going to city parks should check for facility, trail, and park closures on the website at stpaul.gov/flood.

Officials also ask that residents use caution if exploring areas close to the river as water levels can change quickly. They ask that residents follow posted signage, safety guidance and do not pass barricades.

The city is contacting property owners along the river who may be impacted. And, the homeless assistance response team is working with the unsheltered or those in encampments that might be in areas prone to flooding.

The city will keep several roads, along with some park areas and facilities, closed until 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, St. Paul’s director of Public Works, in a statement. “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.”

As of Thursday, the Mississippi River measured at 11.5 feet and is expected to crest at more than 20 feet, according to the National Weather Service. Minor flood stage is reached at 14 feet. Moderate flood stage is at 15 feet. Major flood stage is at 17 feet.

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