Polk County, area township and the Minnesota Department of Transportation officials have begun to close roads and bridges in the area as the snowmelt has led to increased runoff over the roads.
The Sorlie Bridge in East Grand Forks is closed due to rising water levels on the Red River. The bridge will remain closed until river levels recede and crews can inspect the roadway for safety. River Road NW from 12th St. NW to the Highway 2 ramp will close this afternoon. The City of East Grand Forks has set up an online flood dashboard that can be accessed at https://flood.egf.mn.
Other highways in northwestern Minnesota that currently have water over the road:
- Highway 9 north of Ada – water has receded
- Highway 9 south of Crookston – water has receded
- Highway 92 north of Zerkel
- CLOSED Highway 220 north of Oslo between Marshall County Road 4 & County Road 5
- CLOSED Highway 317 north of Oslo between Highway 220 & North Dakota Border
When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.
Hammond Township has closed the following:
West Polk County:
320TH AVE SW – ANDOVER TOWNSHIP – water close to coming over the road, closed between 300th St SW and 310th St SW
430TH AVE SW – Sect. 17/18 SULLIVAN TOWNSHIP – water covering 400 feet on south end of road, barricaded on both north and south ends
East Polk County:
230TH ST SE – GULLY TOWNSHIP – water over the road one mile east of County Road 2
370th AVE SE – BRANDSVOLD & QUEEN TOWNSHIP – closed for water over the road between 380th St. SE and 395th St. SE
Any additions over the weekend can be found here: A map of all road closures in Polk County can be found here.
GRAND FORKS CLOSURES
Here is an update on the latest flood fighting actions taking place in Grand Forks.
The entrance into Riverside Park on N. 1st St. is closed as crews have installed the floodwall closures.
The north portion of Shadyridge Crt. is closed due to water. Crews are monitoring the water levels on the south portion of Shadyridge Crt. to determine when to stage emergency services equipment in the Shadyridge Crt. area.
The Sorlie Bridge on Demers Ave. will be closed this afternoon to allow crews to start installing floodwall closures.
Crews are monitoring the water levels at the Point Bridge and hope to keep the bridge open as long as possible.
The Greenway remains open but be aware that several trails are currently under water. Do not use any of the trails that are impacted by water.
For up to date information on the 2019 flood fight visit www.grandforksgov.com/flood.
