Harrisburg floodgate on state Route 34 is being closed

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The floodgate is being closed in Harrisburg by order of Mayor Eric Gregg.

The rising Ohio River and over three inches of rainfall since yesterday forced the new mayor's hand, he said. Workers will begin putting the floodgate in on state Route 34 before 4 p.m., Gregg said.

"We have no choice," Gregg said.

The Ohio River is coming up fast, causing the Saline River north of the city to rise just as fast. In addition, the National Weather service is calling for a 24-hour respite, then more rainfall for the region, Gregg said.

"We're going to play it very, very safe and err on the side of caution," Gregg said.

"We have no choice. I have never seen anything like this in my life."

Traffic on state Route 34 will be rerouted through Eldorado, then down U.S. Route 45 to Harrisburg, Gregg said.

All city workers are on the job right now.

"Thank goodness we've got excellent support staff in the city," Gregg said.

Gregg plans to stay out and continue monitoring the situation, he said.