The Minnesota Department of Transportation is closing Highway 60 at the entrance to Wabasha and detouring traffic because of flooding on the roadway.

The road is a low-lying area that crosses under a railroad bridge to the east of the intersection of Highway 60 and Highway 61 on the west edge of Wabasha. Water is continuing to rise in the area, so the closure will be in place by 1 p.m. today.

For northbound motorists, the detour is Highway 61 northbound to Hiawatha Drive east into Wabasha. Southbound motorists on Highway 61 will take the Hiawatha exit to their left to enter Wabasha or cross the bridge into Wisconsin.

The closure will remain until water levels recede to a safe level for motorists.

Motorists should plan accordingly. 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.