LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville MSD is preparing for the possibility of the Ohio River rising as multiple rounds of heavy rain remain in the forecast.

Thursday morning MSD crews installed two flood gates, including one on 10th Street.

“Whenever the Ohio River is projected to go into moderate flood mode, this is one of the first gates that we put into service,” said Tony Parrott, Louisville MSD.

The install took a few hours on the flood gates that were built over 50 years ago.

More flood gate closures could be needed depending on how high the water rises.

“Our guys are very versed in putting them up and they do a heck of a job,” Parrott said.

An elevated walkway stretches across the Belle of Louisville parking lot. It will allow crews to reach the riverboat if flood waters rise. (Spectrum News 1/Mason Brighton)

Crews who maintain the Belle of Louisville are also in prep mode. Elevated walkways have been installed so the riverboat can be reached should the parking lot be inaccessible.

“We do keep our boats staffed 24/7 because we are national historical landmarks,” said Heather Funk Gotlib, the boat’s communications and content manager. “If they need to row in boats to get to work, that’s what they’ll be doing. So we’ll have people here all weekend.”

As of Thursday afternoon, the Ohio River is forecasted to crest above 33 feet near downtown on Monday, April 7. That’s three times its normal depth.