WILLMAR -- A portion of U.S. Highway 212 in Montevideo was closed at 6 a.m. today to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct a levee on the highway due to possible flooding in the area.
Highway 212 westbound traffic will be detoured east on Chippewa County Road 16, north on County Road 15 to Minnesota Highway 7.
Highway 212 will remain closed until further notice, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reported.
MnDOT also provides this update on other roads affected by rising waters:
Lac qui Parle River:
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- U.S. Highway 75 south of Madison is open to traffic. Water has receded and both lanes are clear of water, although water remains on the shoulders. Changeable message boards are warning motorists of the high-water area and to reduce speed. No closure of Highway 75 is anticipated at this time; however, flooding is difficult to predict and roads may be closed or restricted without warning. Motorists are advised to check road conditions in advance of travel.
Other areas:
- State Highway 22 South of Richmond: Local traffic only due to saturated soil; water has receded to the shoulder and continues to go down.
- State Highway 58 eight miles east of Paynesville; local traffic only due to water over road.
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.
Drivers should check the state's traveler information Web site -- www.511mn.org -- or call 5-1-1 for road conditions, closures and alternate routes.
