Major Propane Leak Closes Highway 52 in Both Directions Between Rosemount and Coates, Minnesota
UPDATED: 4 AM on March 20, 2025.
UPDATE - 4 AM: State authorities have reopened roads at 11:22 PM. The northbound side has been reduced to one lane.
ROSEMOUNT, MINNESOTA – According to the City of Rosemount, a major propane leak prompted the closure of both northbound and southbound Highway 52 in Rosemount on Wednesday afternoon, March 19, 2025. Emergency crews responded to the incident after a report of a possible brush fire in the right ditch along northbound Highway 52, near the 15100 block, at approximately 2:41 p.m.
After further investigation, authorities determined it was not a grass fire but instead a hazardous substance leak. Due to the severity of the leak and the potential safety risks, officials closed northbound Highway 52 at County Road 46 shortly before 3:40 p.m. As the situation developed, it was necessary to shut down southbound Highway 52 at County Road 42 to prevent further hazards related to the leak’s size and the amount of pressure in the line. The image below was from MnDOT around 5:55 PM and shows the road closure for Highway 52 between County Road 46 and County Road 42 and the detour route in purple.
Provided by MnDOT as of 5:55 PM.
Multiple agencies, including the Rosemount Fire Department, Rosemount Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Dakota County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Dakota Special Operations Team, and Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Pipeline Safety (MNOps) responded to the scene. According to the City, the Dakota Special Operations Team and MNOps traced the leak source to a propane line owned by Flint Hills Resources. MNOps has since confirmed that the propane line has been isolated, with pressure levels dropping, indicating that the leak has been contained.
The City states that to ensure safety, Dakota County authorities deployed a tethered drone and an air monitoring system to closely track the situation. Additionally, two families residing near the affected area were evacuated as a precaution, with Flint Hills Resources assisting in their temporary relocation while cleanup efforts continue.
Flint Hills Resources has been working proactively alongside state and local agencies, including the Rosemount Fire and Police Departments, to mitigate the leak and safely discharge the remaining propane from the affected line. The location of the leak is about 1.0-1.3 miles south of the Flint Hills Resources Refinery.
"The safety and well-being of our residents remain our foremost concern and top priority,” said Fire Chief Kip Springer. "We are grateful for the cooperation and effective collaboration with Flint Hills Resources, whose expertise played a crucial role in resolving this situation promptly.”
Rosemount Fire and Police and other agencies will continue to monitor the area closely and provide updates as necessary. Road traffic will be reopened once authorities determine it is safe. State authorities reopened the roads at 11:22 PM. The northbound side has been reduced to one lane.
Governor Tim Walz mentioned being briefed about the propane leak in a Tweet around 7:35 PM, which you can find below.
This is a developing story; more updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Written by: Will Wight
