Sinkhole Shuts Down West 7th Street In Downtown St. Paul

ST. PAUL, MN — A section of West 7th Street in downtown St. Paul has been closed to through traffic due to an "unexpected sinkhole" that formed Thursday evening, city officials announced Friday.

The affected stretch, between Kellogg Boulevard and Grand Avenue, is currently open only for local business access, with sidewalks remaining open to pedestrians, authorities said.

City crews from Saint Paul Public Works and Saint Paul Regional Water Services are on site assessing the damage and beginning cleanup and repairs. Officials estimate that the repair process could take up to two months.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes, following posted detour signs around the closure.

The city said it will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.