The northbound lanes of 1st Street in Brandon, Manitoba, are closed because of rising water from the Assiniboine River, and drivers are being shifted to the southbound side for two-way traffic. The City of Brandon announced the closure on July 12, 2026, as floodwaters covered parts of the road and asked motorists to use extreme caution or find another route.
The river reached its highest point overnight on July 12-13, cresting at about 1,179.46 feet at 1st Street, a rise of roughly 7.5 feet since July 7. Mayor Jeff Fawcett said that while levels have stabilized, they will stay high for several days, and things could change if more heavy rain falls in the region.
The flooding comes after weeks of rain in the Assiniboine and Shellmouth River basins, with extra water pouring in from the Parkland region north of the city. The city declared a state of local emergency on July 4 as a precaution and has reinforced its dike system – built after the major 2011 flood – with super sandbags and pumps along 1st Street near Dinsdale Park. Fawcett said the infrastructure is holding up well.
Brandon Transit riders should expect delays because of the road closure and traffic changes. Buses are still running, but some routes are being adjusted as drivers work around flooded areas. The city is asking all commuters to plan extra travel time.
Around 4,000 residents in flood-prone neighbourhoods near the river have been given notices to be ready to leave if conditions worsen, but no evacuation order is in place as of July 12. City officials continue to watch river levels and will provide updates if the situation shifts.
