Construction on Second Avenue in Kearney is nothing new for many. It all started back in July, and is anticipated to end Spring or early Summer of 2013. Officials are planning for new concrete, sidewalks, medians, ADA ramps, and lighting. The way things are going right now leaves many officials happy.
"Generally, I'm pretty happy with how things are going. Rush hour traffic...it can back up. On the whole, I think traffic moves pretty much the same," said Tom Farber, project manager for Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR).
The construction along Second Avenue should not be considered as an alteration to the area. Instead, a revamp to the streets.
"We're not changing the existing geometrics of the road. It will still be two lanes north bound, and two lanes south bound. We're not changing the road, just the existing conditions of the road," said Farber.
Those replacements and the entire project left many companies only accessible through secondary entrance ways. Many thought the companies would be affected by the construction, but they are not.
"Most businesses along Second Avenue really didn't lose access. They all have access off city streets or other locations," said Farber.
"I've talked to several of them. All of them expressed it is inconvenient for them and their staff, but their customers were getting to them just fine - and that's because businesses on the west side of the street are not walk-by-retail businesses; most of them rely on appointments," said Jan Rodehorst, executive director of Kearney Chamber of Commerce."
