Downed lines, blocked roads trap Rogers, Minn. residents

ROGERS, Minn. (KMSP) - Downed power lines and trees have closed multiple roads to Rogers, Hanover, St. Michael and other cities northwest of the Twin Cities. Rogers Police Chief Jeff Beahen is asking drivers to stay out of the south side of the city.

Tuesday night’s severe thunderstorms knocked down a high voltage power line, effectively creating an east-west barrier that cuts Rogers, Hanover, St. Michael and surrounding cities off from metro cities to the south. Interstate 94 remains open, and is the best option to reach the northwest metro.

Fox 9 learned the residents of about 60 homes have been essentially trapped by the road closures. Police and public works officials have said it could take days to make repairs.

Brockton Lane, County Road 101, and County Road 116 reopened to traffic by 3 p.m. Wednesday, but there continues to be other roads that are closed due to downed power lines. These roads include Valley Drive, Trailhaven, Tilton Trail South, Bechtold Road, Park Drive, Crow Hassan Drive (County Road 203). The power companies are working on opening these roads as soon as possible. Motorists are advised to not drive over downed power lines.

Chief Beahen said extra crews from the Dakotas are needed to help lift the structures off the roadway.  For information about county road closures, call Hennepin County road and bridge dispatch at 612-596-0299.