Public Notice: Mardi Gras Transit Advisories and Health Alerts for February 14, 2026

Official Notice: Major Street Closures for Mardi Gras Grand Parade

The City of St. Louis and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) have issued a comprehensive traffic and parking advisory for Saturday, February 14, 2026, in conjunction with the Mardi Gras Grand Parade in Soulard. Residents and visitors should anticipate significant travel delays and restricted access throughout the downtown and Soulard areas.

Beginning at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, a "Red Zone" will be established where no vehicular traffic or parking is permitted. This zone includes the following primary corridors:

• Marion Street from Broadway to 8th Street
• Lafayette Avenue from Tucker Boulevard to Broadway
• Russell Boulevard from 13th Street to Broadway
• Geyer Avenue from Gravois to Broadway
• 12th, 11th, and 10th Streets between Ann Avenue and Lafayette

All vehicles parked within the Red Zone after 3:00 a.m. will be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will close several highway ramps from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., including the northbound I-55 ramps to Russell and South Broadway, and the eastbound I-44 ramp to Park Avenue/7th Street. Traffic on Gravois Avenue (Tucker) will be restricted between Ann and Lafayette starting at 2:00 p.m.

Public Health Advisory: Influenza Activity Increase

The St. Louis Department of Health has issued an active health advisory following a significant spike in laboratory-confirmed influenza cases. Surveillance data for the week ending February 8, 2026, indicates that influenza-like illness (ILI) visits to local emergency departments remain at high levels. Current data shows that Influenza A accounts for approximately 64.5% of cases, with Influenza B making up the remaining 35.5%.

Health officials urge residents to take the following precautions:

• Receive an annual flu vaccine if you have not already done so this season.
• Practice frequent handwashing and use alcohol-based sanitizers.
• Stay home from work or public events if you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or body aches.

Municipal Service and Holiday Schedule

In observance of the Presidents' Day holiday, all St. Louis City and County government offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026. This includes City Hall, the Civil Courts Building, and municipal service centers. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, February 17.

Furthermore, St. Louis County has announced that due to recent budget adjustments, the West County Government Center in Chesterfield will permanently cease operations after February 27, 2026. Starting February 17, remaining county government centers in Clayton and Northwest Crossings will implement reduced in-person service hours, closing daily at 3:30 p.m.