The City of Columbus, Nebraska

33rd AVENUE VIADUCT RECONSTRUCTION

Beginning Monday, February 2, 2009, the 33rd Avenue viaduct will be closed for reconstruction until December 2009. This project is a major undertaking by the city and the Nebraska Department of Roads to replace the deteriorating structure built in 1938. Cramer & Associates, Grimes, Iowa, has been awarded the contract for this project. The viaduct is located on Highways US30 and US81 and carries approximately 20,000 vehicles each day. 33rd Avenue north of the viaduct from 13th to 15th Streets will also be reconstructed as part of this project.

Additional information regarding the definition of “trucks” and the approved detour routes can be found under the heading “Truck Route” and highway traffic should use the detours listed on the Nebraska Department of Roads website:
www.nebraskatransportation.org/projects/columbus-viaduct

Current Press Releases

The Columbus Police Department will be monitoring local traffic. Remember to leave early and exercise additional safety when driving and walking. There may be delays due to increased traffic.

During reconstruction, drivers are asked to use extreme caution when using the detour for local vehicular traffic. The local detour from 33rd Avenue east on 8th Street to 23rd Avenue, then north on 23rd Avenue to 23rd Street (Hwy 30).

In anticipation of the closure and detour described above, the city has made the intersection of 23rd Avenue and 8th Street a ‘four way stop’ and removed parking on 23rd Avenue north of 8th Street to the alley. With the local detour passing Columbus Middle School and Emerson Elementary School, drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution and slow down, especially when school is in session.

Drivers can also cross the railroad tracks at the ‘at grade railroad crossings’. They are located on these Avenues: 3rd, 12th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, and 26th.

Railroad crossing improvements were recently made at 21st and 23rd Avenues. For a short period this spring 25th Avenue will be closed for improvements, and after it reopens, 26th Avenue will close for improvements. The website will provide more information on that work schedule.

The city will prepare a “Frequently Asked Questions” section to address concerns raised throughout the progress of the project. Citizens can contact the city at viaduct@columbusne.us. This webpage will be updated periodically as progress is made. Look for photos and chart the progress of the reconstruction.