Street paving could start soon

Tired of driving over the rough streets, jumping ridges and bumps at intersections? Hang on, it’s going to get worse, but it’s nearing the end.
Nebraska Department of Roads Project Manager Jerry Grooms says the next step of the massive relinquishment construction project in York will start very soon. In other words — it’s time nearly time to start paving.
“We are hoping to start the paving process on Monday, Aug. 11,” Grooms said.
He explained the first stretch of paving will be done in the downtown area — but they will run a “test strip” on either the far north or south side of town first.
“We need to do that test strip, to make sure it meets all the requirements,” Grooms said, noting the paving material has to meet certain criteria before they can start using it throughout the city. He said they need to run out about 600 tons — and it needs to be done in a place that will be easy to mill back up if it’s not acceptable. So once the “test strip” is complete — they’ll start the actual paving.
Where exactly the paving will begin is unclear — Grooms said it would likely start in the area of First and Lincoln and move in the same pattern the original milling work was done. That remains subject to change, per the contractor’s decision.
But before that can happen — more milling has to be done. And it’s going to make things even rougher for motorists, particularly at intersections. Grooms said the contractor explained to him that they will start cleaning out the millings that were placed in certain areas to provide for temporary smoother driving. That means at least a two-inch ridge at all the corners along the entire Lincoln stretch and the portion of downtown Grant.
“There will be a two-inch drop-off everywhere, and we want to make sure all drivers are aware of that,” Grooms said.
Once the paving project is complete, they will begin work on Fourth Street (stretching from Lincoln Avenue to the bypass). “They won’t even start that project until everything else is done,” Grooms said, noting again that Fourth Street will have to be closed during the construction, for approximately two weeks. The Department of Roads has indicated there are plans to provide access for the residents who live along that stretch — but the details have not been discussed.
The remaining time frame of the project will likely be at least 45 more working days (once the paving begins) — barring any complications or inclement weather.