The bridge projects will include the bridge over the Big Nemaha River, east of Salem requiring removal of the current bridge. The project will include bridge and culvert replacement. The work on the Salem bridge will require a full closure of Highway 8 during the project.
The other project is the bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad on the west edge of Falls City and will include replacement of the bridge and box culvert. Construction of the box culvert of the bridge will be the first part of the project, followed by the concurrent construction of the Salem and Falls City bridges.
The bridge at Falls City will be constructed in phases allowing the bridge to remain open during project. The current bridge will be removed and replaced with the roadway east and west of the bridge to be replaced.
A designated detour would use U-S Highway 75 and U-S Highway 73 during the road closure.
The DOT is seeking input on the proposed projects. Public comments concerning the projects will be accepted through September 11. If you have a comment, question or request, contact the Nebraska Department of Transportation District 1 Engineers Office at 402-471-0850. You can also email District 1 Engineer Brandon Varilek at brandon.varilek@nebraska.gov or Public Involvement Specialist Brian Beach at brian.beach@nebraska.gov.
The projected cost of the projects is $10.4 million with the funds coming from federal and state sources.
