South 13th project moving along, in Beatrice

BEATRICE – Progress is being made on this year’s major street reconstruction project in Beatrice.

Recently, the west half of South 13th between Beaver and Oak Streets was ripped out. That allows residents who live along the east side of the street to access 13th one-way southbound…to get to their homes. The only access to several homes is on 13th Street.

R.L. Tiemann Construction crews were focusing this week on doing intersection work and preparing the road bed for the new concrete surface that will be installed. Beatrice City Engineer James Burroughs says some of the curb and gutter and paving could get underway soon.

"Right now, they're trimming the excess grade out on the lane on the west side, so hopefully we'll pour some curb and gutter this week on that side...and then doing the lane itself either late this week or the early part of next week."

Traffic to the Beatrice Country Club and homes to the north and east of the golf course is using South 8th and Oak Street to bypass the construction zone. An electronic message board and signs are directing traffic in that area.

No water or sewer work is needed along the street project. The street reconstruction contract calls for 100 construction days.