Update: Heavy rains cause road closures across northeastern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is closely monitoring road conditions after heavy rainstorms passed through northeastern Minnesota yesterday and last night.
As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, the following highways are closed:

Highway 1 between Sassas Road and Brown Road (15 miles west of Tower). The road has washed out and a detour is in place.
Highway 1 (MP 293.7) between Pyhola Road and Little Lake Road (6 miles east of Ely). The road has washed out and a detour is in place.
Hwy 1 (MP 318.5) between Naughty Pine Drive and Mitiwan Lake Road (32 miles east of Ely). The road has washed out and is closed.
Highway 53 just south of Independence. One southbound lane is closed.
Highway 61 at Taconite Harbor. One lane is closed, and a signal-controlled bypass is in operation.

MnDOT staff are doing damage inspections to determine if roads are weakened, and motorists should use caution where shoulders may be washed out. Do not drive over water or around barriers closing off flooded roads as roads may have collapsed underneath the water. 511mn.org will continue to be updated with the latest conditions.

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