NATCHEZ — Officials have closed two streets at Natchez Under-the-Hill as the Mississippi River continues to rise.

Natchez Public Works Superintendent Justin Dollar said crews closed Silver Street just past Magnolia Bar and Grill Tuesday when rising waters reached approximately 52 feet on the Natchez river gauge.

“The road was becoming impassable due to the flood waters down by the boat ramp,” Dollar said.

Public Works redirected traffic to effectively make Silver Street a two-way road so Under-the-Hill businesses could remain open. Parking will not be allowed on Silver Street for the time being, Dollar said.

Crews also closed D.A. Biglane Street behind the Rosalie mansion parking lot, Dollar said.

Aside from the two streets adjacent to Under the Hill, Dollar said Public Works also has closed Cooper Street, which lies just off the river in close proximity to the Natchez City Cemetery.

By Wednesday, the river gauge read approximately 53 feet, and estimates have the river cresting at 57 feet on March 19.

At this stage, Dollar said his department must continue to keep tabs on the situation as it unfolds.

“We’ll continue to monitor it on a daily and see if any of the forecasts are revised,” Dollar said.