Buchanan County officials are taking steps to protect the levee at Lake Contrary from an increase in sightseers driving and walking on the levee.

South West Lake Front Drive from Nelson Road on the east all the way around to 51st Road on the west will remain closed for at least a month.

They will leave only one access point open, at the boat dock, and that will be for residents only. Sheriff’s deputies will enforce the roadblock, and residents will need a photo ID and proof of residency to get through.

Western Commissioner Ron Hook says they don’t know how soft the roads are, and they’ve had some sand boils in the area, so they want to protect the levee from unnecessary pedestrian and vehicle traffic. He says the closure could last for the rest of this month or longer, depending on water levels.