The City of Columbus is currently soliciting public input on a proposed improvement of 3rd Avenue from 8th Street to South 5th Street in Platte County.
Identified as 3rd Avenue, 8th Street to South 5th Street, Columbus, the proposed project would reconstruct about .61 mile of 3rd Avenue, starting 636 feet north of South 5th Street and continuing until 8th Street.
The purpose of this proposed project is to preserve the transportation asset, improve the reliability of the transportation system and perpetuate the mobility of the traveling public. The need for the proposed project is to be compliant with current federal and state codes, including Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, by constructing a three-lane 41-foot-wide concrete street with curb and gutter along with sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps. The new sidewalk would be four feet wide and would be installed on the entire east side of 3rd Avenue and along the residential areas on the west side of 3rd Avenue.
The proposed project would be constructed under traffic with phased one-way traffic (southbound during the construction of the east half and northbound during the construction of the west half). The west lane would be temporarily widened three feet for south bound traffic and three temporary parking areas would be built. The parking areas would be returned to pre-construction conditions upon completion of the proposed project. A designated detour would be provided, utilizing 8th Street, 12th Avenue, 2nd Street, 10th Avenue, Lover’s Lane, South 7th Avenue, South 5th Street, and South 3rd Avenue. Access to adjacent properties would be maintained throughout the duration of the construction activities but may be limited at times due to phasing requirements.
A minor amount of property acquisition for street right-of-way and /or temporary and permanent easements would be required. No relocations or acquisition of structures are expected as a result of the proposed project. No Threatened or Endangered Species, Section 4(f) lands, or cultural resources would be impacted by the proposed project; however, 0.011 acre of wetland would be impacted.
Construction could begin as early as spring of 2016 and is expected to take four months.
The public is being encouraged to make suggestions or express concerns regarding this proposed project. Materials can be provided in alternative languages or formats. Comments will be collected through March 13, 2015. Written comments or requests should be submitted to: Rick Bogus, City Engineer, 2424 14th St., PO Box 1677, Columbus, NE 68602-1677; email rick.bogus@columbusne.us Verbal statements may be taken by the City of Columbus at phone number (402)562-4236 or at City Hall. Information regarding the proposed project will be made available on the City of Columbus website at www.columbusne.us For those without internet access, information may be obtained through the contact above or at City Hall, 2424 14th Street, Columbus, NE.