SIDNEY UNDER CONSTRUCTION

A staggering $300 million worth of development projects are taking place throughout Sidney. While the recent rains have caused some delays, work is underway at numerous sites.

At a city council meeting earlier this week, John Hehnke, the city's public services director, provided an update on the projects.

Crews are finishing storm drain installation along Seventh Avenue, with only one block – between Jackson and King streets – remaining, he said. Storm drains are being installed along the street to address water runoff issues.

"Hopefully, if Mother Nature cooperates, in another two weeks we can have that project wrapped up," Hehnke said.

The Greenwood Road and Pole Creek Crossing project is also progressing, he said.

On Wednesday, a section of road was paved extending west from Greenwood Road.

"Beginning next week, we'll start sidewalks and striping on Greenwood Road," Hehnke said.

A bridge will be built to link Pole Creek Crossing to Fort Sidney Road, and a new bridge will also be constructed to replace the recently demolished bridge on Fort Sidney.

"On Friday, we are going to do some pile testing on the east bridge – the one that will be Pole Creek Crossing," he explained. "We're going to have to wait a little bit on the Fort Sidney Road bridge to do pile testing because there are some fiber optic cables that we are struggling to get relocated with fiber optic companies."

Two walking trail extensions are moving forward, he added.

"The 11th Avenue pathway – we're making some good progress there," Hehnke said. "We're down to just a few segments left, handicap ramps, irrigation, landscaping. We should be closing in on that project here in the next couple weeks."

The Deadwood Trail extension, beginning at Western Nebraska Community College and continuing to near Sapp Bros. has faced a few setbacks, though.

"Some [previously poured sections] will have to be removed due to malfunctions with the machine, but we continue to make progress on that project," Hehnke said.

Additionally, a new surface for the tennis courts located near the current municipal swimming pool was poured this week.

The courts should be available for use by August, he said. A sand volleyball court is also being installed at the site.

In an interview, Hehnke said while this time of year is always a busy time for construction, the past two summers have been exceptionally busy.

Construction work will continue until the snow begins falling, he added.