(KAIR)--Construction is set to begin on the first phase of Atchison’s Dam 6 sewer separation project.

Due to the work, traffic on Main Street and 15th Street will be affected.

According to a news release issued by City of Atchison Assistant City Manager Justin Pregont, the project will include construction of a new stormwater-only concrete pipe from White Clay Creek to the overflow of Dam 6.

Curb inlets along the route of the pipe will also be reconstructed to connect to the new stormwater-only system.

According to the release, construction is expected to cross Main Street between 15th and 16th Streets during the early weeks of the project. Work will continue up the 15th Street right of way, between Main Street and Commercial Street, as the project progresses. Main Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction during the crossing, while 15th Street from Main Street to Commercial Street will likely be completely closed during construction.

While an exact date for the start of the work is not stated, the release says the first phase, running from White Clay Creek to just north of Commercial Street along 15th Street, will begin this month, and last about four months.

The second phase is expected in the summer and fall.

The release notes that the Dam 6 Sewer Separation Project is the next step for the City of Atchison to maintain compliance with the Clean Water Act of 1972, and the subsequent consent agreements that have been established between the City and the Environmental Protection Agency and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The City has secured financing for the project through KDHE's Revolving Loan Fund program, an offering that the release says provides below market interest rates for qualifying utility projects.

Amino Brothers Construction will serve as the general contractor for the project, having been selected from 11 other bidders.

BG Consultants, the firm that designed the project, was also hired to perform construction inspection and materials testing services once the project gets underway.