U.S. 75 in Blair to be under construction next year

Most of U.S. Highway 75 in Blair will be under construction for four months in 2017.

The Blair City Council approved an agreement Tuesday with the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) for the resurfacing and pavement removal and replacement of U.S. 75 from County Road P35 to Deerfield Boulevard. A segment of U.S. 75, from 14th to 18th streets, is excluded because it was replaced in 2008.

The project is estimated at $2.2 million, with NDOR paying approximately $1.05 million.

Al Schoemaker, director of public works, said the highway needs "major repair work," especially on the south side.

The city must also convert at least 24 sidewalks to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

NDOR will be responsible for the cost of concrete repair, asphalt overlay, joint and crack repair and adjustment of utility boxes and manholes for the center two lanes.

The city and NDOR will evenly split the cost of traffic control, lane striping and pavement marking.

The city is responsible for the entire cost of sidewalk repair; ADA requirements; preliminary engineering and construction engineering; and the construction of the two outside lanes, turn lanes and parking areas.

Blair will select an engineering firm for the preliminary and construction engineering services. The city has sent a request for proposals to six engineering firms. The proposals were due April 15.

The design is scheduled to be completed this summer or fall, with the project ready for bidding in January.

Construction is planned for May through August 2017 "to minimize the impact on school time," Schoemaker said.

Construction will be completed two lanes at a time, with traffic control.