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Interstate 80 through Sidney should return to normal traffic patterns in the coming weeks.
Work began this spring on eastbound lanes, from mile markers 51-69. Next year, the project will move onto the westbound lanes, from mile markers 62-90.
Wayne Rhamy, Nebraska Department of Roads project manager in Gering, said workers are wrapping up work for the season and both east and westbound lanes would be open for normal traffic flow by the middle of November.
While this year's construction was initially scheduled to be completed by Oct. 24, he said work on the bridges set the project back a little.
"The bridges are quite an extensive remodeling, and they took a little longer, I think, than the contractor anticipated," he explained.
Despite significant rainfall in the spring, Rhamy said the summer weather didn't affect the work schedule.
"It's been a pretty good summer after the wet spring," he said. "We had a lot of good weather so we got caught up pretty good."
The project entailed removing and replacing existing concrete and widening lanes and shoulders. Two overpasses are also being re-decked and widened.
According to NDOR, 8,360 vehicles pass through Sidney I-80 interchanges each day. In 20 years, the department expects that number to increase to 10,650.
"The purpose of this project is to preserve this section of I-80, improve the reliability of the highway system and maintain the mobility of the travelling public," a NDOR project information document states. "The existing roadway has reached the end of its service life and does not meet minimum width requirements. The existing bridges exhibit deterioration, including the approach slabs and bridge decks."
Koss Construction, of Topeka, Kan., is leading the $34 million project. Funding is derived from state and federal sources.
While major work is nearly completed for the season, work will begin again next spring.
"We'll do some minor work in the winter and then we'll fire up again in April," he added.
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