Stillwater Lift Bridge to close Tuesday

STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) — Authorities plan to close the Stillwater Lift Bridge at 10 a.m. Tuesday because of flooding and ice on St. Croix River.

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the bridge will remain closed until further notice.

The bridge is part of a well-traveled route between Minnesota and western Wisconsin. While it’s closed, motorists may detour south to Interstate 94 at Hudson, Wis., or north to Highway 243 at Osceola, Wis., to cross the St. Croix.

The river was at 85.35 feet Monday afternoon on its way to a crest now projected for Friday at flood stage of 87 feet, according to the National Weather Service. The bridge may be become inoperative at 88 feet.

Stillwater has already built a 2,000-foot temporary levee to protect downtown.