Extension of culvert getting first attention in state’s road project

    Travelers between Imperial and Champion have noticed the road project on Spur 15A is well underway.
    Subcontractor Walz Construction of Valentine has been busy since April 11 with the box culvert extension under the bridge just east of Champion.
    Project supervisor Jodie Smith with the NE Dept. of Roads said the culvert is being extended 14 feet on one side and 18 feet on the other to accommodate a wider slope planned at that location.
    The guardrail that extends up the hill will eventually be removed and wider shoulders will be added along the road up to the hilltop, she said.
    Once the box culvert work is done, Smith said pipe extensions will be completed along the 6.73 miles of road project. Dirt will be then be brought in for the shoulder extensions.
    Removal of about 4 inches of the current asphalt is planned along the project once the road surface improvement starts. Smith said 40 to 50% of it will be recycled and used in the new asphalt that will be laid.
    The current road width will not change, she said.
    Once the paving begins, traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers.
    The project is expected to be finished by October, weather permitting.
    Werner Construction of Hastings is general contractor on the project.