AUSTIN, Minn. — MnDOT closed a portion of Interstate 90 in Austin, Minn. on Thursday after heavy rain flooded the freeway.
Traffic was detoured between 6th Street Northeast and 11th Drive in Austin. Drivers are being directed to Highway 56, Highway 30, and Highway 218.
MnDOT said the freeway will remain closed until water levels drop to safe levels. MnDOT will have workers inspecting both the road and the ditch area before reopening the roadway.
Video posted by "Twisted Truckers" on Facebook showed the deep water over the road, in a video recorded while eastbound lanes were still open.
In a press release, MnDOT reminded drivers that it is illegal to drive on any closed road. Drivers can be fined up to $1,000 or sentenced to 90 days in jail. Motorists are also responsible for any expenses that result from being rescued from a closed roadway.
MnDOT provides current road closure information online at 511mn.org.