Slope failure forces closure of state highway in Twin Cities

A section of state highway in the Twin Cities has been closed unexpectedly due to a slope failure — and it could stay closed for weeks, possibly months.

The closure that started late Monday affects part of State Highway 13 in Mendota Heights, which traverses bluffs above the Mississippi River and Lilydale Regional Park.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation said Tuesday that crews were still assessing the damage and figuring out a plan to repair the roadway — and determining how long the closure would last. There was no immediate word on whether the slide that’s affecting the road was related to recent heavy rainfall.

MnDOT’s 511 site lists an estimated reopening date of Aug. 3, and the Mendota Heights Police Department said it was told the closure could last “a minimum of two months.” But as of Wednesday that remained only an estimate, as crews continued to assess the slide.

Highway 13 is closed between Sylvandale Road and Wachtler Avenue in Mendota Heights. The official, posted detour is via Wachtler Avenue, Wentworth Avenue and Dodd Road. Mendota Heights police said the department will deploy extra resources in the area, to address speeding and other traffic issues.

One other possible, unofficial detour — Lilydale Road and Water Street along the Mississippi River — won’t be available. It’s closing late Wednesday due to rising river levels.