The ferry generally operates until the the river gauge at Shawneetown, Ill., reaches 42.5 feet, said Keith Todd, a spokesman for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. At present, the river is predicted to crest at 38.3 feet sometime over the weekend. Today's National Weather Service-projected crest takes into account rain forecast for the next 48 hours.
Flood stage at Shawneetown is 33 feet, but Todd said traffic can safely travel the swamped ferry approach on the Kentucky side of the river until the 42.5-foot mark.
The ferry operates from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily, carrying traffic across the river between Crittenden County and Hardin County, Ill.
