Traffic flies by at the rate of 22,000 cars a day. Within a decade it could hit 30,000 on Interstate 80 near Grand Island. But the pavement can't take that abuse, so crews gear up for a new layer of asphalt. 

Project Manager Scott Griepenstroh said, "It's a simple mill and overlay project, of course nothing's ever simple."

It's an example of a project that's been on the books for some time but wouldn't be happening this summer if not for the federal stimulus package.

Griepenstroh said, "This is one of those jobs if it wasn't for funds coming in I believe this job would've been delayed another year of two before we could get into it."

The stimulus project creates work for Vontz Paving and its subcontractors. They'll repave a 12 mile stretch of interstate from Wood River to Grand Island. 

"Probably daily they'll be a lane closure set up, some of them extend up to six miles," Griepenstroh said.

The $5 million project likely would have cost a million or two less a few years ago. The city of Grand Island is also seeing paving costs rise with the price of oil. 

Grand Island Public Works Director Steve Riehle said, "I do know that this year we saw a nine percent increase from last year so that's sizable. We estimate it could be a five percent increase, actually came in at nine."

While some question if the federal stimulus will put the nation on the road to economic recovery, crews said the interstate would have been repaired one way or another. 

Scott Griepenstroh said, "It's a good thing we can take care of it before the road experiences worse deterioration."

The interstate project will take months, possibly until November. They promise to open all lanes of traffic on holidays and Husker game days.

Officials remind drivers to slow down to avoid accidents.

Reporter's Notes by Steve White:
Griepenstroh said the milling work on I-80 should take about two months. He warned drivers that rear end accidents are among the most common in construction zones because of speed changes.

Because Grand Island's paving costs rose nine percent, the city engineer said they had to essentially cut the amount of fresh asphalt by nine percent.