Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
The construction on 10th Ave. has been silent since the City found problems with Werner Construction's concrete work. The project is expected to resume on Wednesday.
Rumors surfaced that Werner Construction, general contractor for the 10th Avenue improvement project, had abandoned completion after work stopped with the road still unfinished.
The reality is less dramatic, according to Sidney Public Services Director John Hehnke. Deficiencies with the installation of the new curb, gutter and pavement caused the delay.
"There were voids in the concrete and tears in the surface," Hehnke explained. "The flow line of the gutter wasn't consistent."
After recognizing the issues, city officials asked Werner Construction to make repairs before moving on to complete the project. The work on 10th Ave. is a Federal Aid Street Improvement project. Under its terms, cities must provide a 'yes or no' when finished.
There is no warranty period.
"The contractor agreed to stop," Hehnke reported. "They didn't even argue with us."
Werner Construction is transporting another piece of equipment to the site to properly install the curb and gutter. The machine must be moved from eastern Nebraska.
The company reportedly informed the city that work would likely resume on Wednesday.
Last month Jerry Spiker of the city planning commission issued harsh words for Werner Construction, stemming from the company's transportation of asphalt millings to a gravel pit west of Sidney--a measure taken without first informing the city. In a press statement regarding the problems on 10th Ave., the city made a point to cite their "displeasure" with the quality of work performed.
"It's not something we wanted to see," Hehnke said of the deficiencies in the concrete. "I don't want to hear more excuses."
The project is intended to improve storm drainage along 10th Ave. between Osage St. and Illinois St. It also involves replacing portions of sidewalk to conform to standards.
Work includes removal of the existing surface, excavation, upgrades to storm sewer features and the pouring of new concrete. The entire project, which is schedule in phases, was originally slated to be completed by mid-October.
Because of the current delay, Hehnke observed, "we're not on the timeline."
Businesses along 10th Ave. remain open during all phases of the project.
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