New trailhead parking area, nearly ready for use

BEATRICE – The public will soon get to use an improvement to a trailhead in south Beatrice.  R.L. Tiemann Construction recently installed a paved parking area and new sidewalk, at the Chief Standing Bear Trailhead along South 6th Street.

City Engineer James Burroughs says that leaves one addition left to complete at the trailhead.  "The only portion that is really remaining out there, is the storm water retention cell, which we've applied for some grants for funding of that project. So, we're waiting for those to come back before we can install that system in part of the parking lot."

Farther south, a late-year project is planned to replace bridge railings on the South Sixth Big Blue River Bridge. Street Superintendent Jason Moore says that’s similar to the work done this past year on the West Court Street river bridge.  "If it goes anywhere like West Court did, it should be fine. Surprisingly, West Court was easier than I ever hoped. Everything came off like it was supposed to, and we didn't have any issues."

The city has received approval from the Nebraska Department of Transportation on the South 6th railing project. The old bolted-on railings will be removed and replaced with decorative rails similar to those installed at the West Court Street bridge.