The city of Ottawa has shut the flood gates over the Marias Des Cygnes river in downtown Ottawa. The rains today have swollen the Ol’Mary to near capacity and Ottawa public works director Michael Haeffle says, “Out of concern for public safety is necessary to close them. The river is forecast to crest at 34.9 feet, but Haeffle believes it could be higher. City policy says, “The gates will be shut when the river reaches 33 feet. Haeffle says, “I didn’t want to wait until the last minute. Drivers will need to find an alternative route when using Main Street and Highway 59. There will be signs posted for detours to direct you around the area.”
