Paducah floodgate installation continues

MONDAY AFTERNOON:
Crews worked Monday at finishing up the floodgate installation in downtown Paducah.

The latest forecast shows an improvement in the Ohio River crest. It shows the Paducah riverfront topping at 49.5 feet on Wednesday, April 16. That river level means the water would stay below the bottom of the floodgates.

Crews have also been installing the Hesco bastion protective system at the Convention Center. It consists of  metal baskets that get filled with sand. They're stacked on top of the current levee for flood protection.


MONDAY MORNING:
This morning the City of Paducah will continue to install its Ohio River floodgates.

On Friday, public works crews with assistance from the Paducah-McCracken County Joint Sewer Agency began removing the bottom plates and cleaning the sills of debris. 

The city has contracted with Jim Smith Contracting for equipment to handle the floodgate installation.

Pedestrian and vehicle traffic are not allowed on or near the floodwall and floodgates. During floodgate installation, expect brief road closures. For safety, do not drive around barricades.

As of Friday, six of the city’s 12 pump stations were in operation as the river rises. The first pump station began operating when the river was at 27.5 feet. As the Ohio River rises, all 12  pump stations will be placed into operation.

Sunday’s updated forecast has the Ohio River at Paducah expected to crest at 50.5 feet and hold at a high level starting Wednesday, April 16.