Interstate 90 is closed and detoured at Austin because of water over the road, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Heavy rains in the region on Thursday have caused high water in areas, including at I-90 in Austin. Traffic is being detoured between Sixth Street Northeast and 11th Drive in Austin. The westbound detour route is Highway 56 north to Highway 30 west to Highway 218 south to I-90. The eastbound is the same route in reverse.

The detour and highway closure will remain in place until the water levels lower to allow for safe
travel. MnDOT will inspect the road and the ditch area prior to opening I-90 to ensure that it remains safe for travel.

When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.

Check www.511mn.orgbefore traveling for information on road conditions, closures and detour routes. For additional updates, join the MnDOT SE Minnesota Facebook group at
www.facebook.com/groups/MnDOTsoutheast/ and follow @mndotsoutheast on Twitter.

MnDOT urges motorists to always be attentive, drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.