Interstate 35W Closed In Both Directions In North Metro
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The recent heavy rainfall has taken a toll on the Twin Cities metro area.
Minnesota transportation officials said Interstate 35W between Interstate 694 and Highway 96 closed in both directions for much of Saturday because of flooding.
By Saturday night, however, the entire road had been reopened.
Minnesota Department of Transportation spokesman Kevin Gutknecht said cars stalled out in the high waters Saturday morning.
He told WCCO they think a water main, with the heavy rain, may have caused the problem.
Several cars were attempting to drive through the flooded highway. A photo from WCCO-Radio's Susie Jones shows a taxi cab with its wheels fully submerged in water attempting to exit the highway. A viewer submitted video to WCCO-TV, a motorist is heard saying "It looks like the Mississippi going down 35W."
Gutknecht said 35W north of 694 to County Road 10 will be closed until flooding recedes. Officials said they aren't sure of the exact source of the flooding other than heavy rainfall in the metro on Friday and overnight into Saturday morning. There was a water main break in the area, but officials said they aren't sure if that is contributing to the problem. Crews are checking drainage systems in the area.
At its peak Saturday morning, water was about two feet high on the interstate. Gutknecht said he wasn't aware of any injuries because of flooding, but several cars stalled on the road and advised that motorists should not attempt to drive through standing water.
An apartment complex in New Brighton is also facing some major flooding due to the recent heavy rain. And roads in southern Minnesota and other communities are under water, making driving difficult.
Officials with the National Weather Service reported that North St. Paul received more than four inches of rain overnight, causing flooding issues there.
