Due to recent heavy rainfall and rising river levels, the City of Cottage Grove has announced the closure of the bridge and causeway to Lower Grey Cloud Island to ensure public safety. This closure includes prohibiting vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The affected areas include:

• Grey Cloud Trail bridge over the Mississippi River (closed June 26)
• Grey Cloud Drive causeway on the Mississippi River (closing June 28 at noon)

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Mississippi River as water levels continue to rise. Residents are urged to avoid these areas and seek alternative routes as dangerous conditions exist with rapidly moving water and debris in the river.

The Cottage Grove Emergency Management team is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Army Corp of Engineers, other municipalities for mutual aid, Washington County, and Xcel Energy. Notification has been made to affected residents and businesses regarding the bridge and causeway closures and the alert center on the city website has been activated for flooding notifications.

The largest threat to the area is to public roadway infrastructure from flooding which is why the decision has been made to close the bridge and the causeway to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. It is anticipated that there will be minor threats to private property so sandbags and other flood mitigation resources have been distributed to vulnerable private property owners.

“The safety of our residents is our top priority. Our public safety team has gone door to door to talk to the residents on Lower Grey Cloud Island to notify them of the closures. We have also been in contact with the businesses that are located on the island. We urge all local residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe which includes limiting visits to the affected area due to dangerous conditions,” said Mayor Myron Bailey.

The bridge and causeway are closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Avoid driving or walking through flooded areas.

It is anticipated that the water will not go over the top of the Grey Cloud Island Drive road surface, but hazards still exist with the height of the water at the box culvert.

Avoid sightseeing in the area as dangerous conditions exist with the rapidly moving river along with debris in the water.

Stay informed through local news, the city’s alert center through the City of Cottage Grove website, and through the city’s official Facebook page and the city’s public safety Facebook page. Follow any evacuation orders promptly.

“Our Emergency Management team is monitoring the situation around the clock and the Public Works Department is preparing to close the causeway due to the rising water levels on the Mississippi River. Dangerous conditions still exist around the river’s edge and we urge people to stay away from the area due to the rapidly moving water and the amount of debris in the river,” said Public Safety Director Pete Koerner.

For more information including daily updates through the duration of the closure of the causeway can be found on the alert center on the City of Cottage Grove website at www.CottageGroveMN.gov/AlertCenter.aspx.