(KAIR)--An ongoing improvement project to Atchison’s flood gates will keep a crucial Atchison roadway closed for about another 10 days.

Atchison Public Works and Utilities Director Justin Pregont said the eastbound lane of Main Street between 7th and 8th Street will remain closed and though it’s inconvenient, it’s necessary.

“The floodgate automation project drastically reduces dry weather combined-sewer overflow events,” Pregont said. “When the river comes up too high, we have to shut down our sewer plant and everything that we flush goes right into the river because it gets too high and our pumps are at a lower elevation. But, this project will auto-level our floodgates so that even if the river comes up—as long as it’s not raining—the floodgates will then close and we can continue treating sewer water.”

Pregont added residents should plan for the 6th Street viaduct to U.S. Highway 59 to close sometime in the next 10 days for the same floodgate project.

Drivers can expect that area to be closed for two and half to three weeks.