Update Feb. 13, 11:20 a.m. - The article has been updated below to display the correct financial estimates of project costs to the city. The original article failed to represent the total cost with state estimates included. The city of Hastings will only be responsible to pay around $8.5 million for the project.

HASTINGS, Neb. – The City of Hastings is just one step away from beginning visible work on a multi-million dollar development on the southeast side of town. 

The Hastings Engineering Department presented a supplemental agreement and an update on the Hastings Southeast Road Project's timeline to the Hastings City Council Monday night. 

"It probably looks like nothing is going on there, but the state is working a lot in the background on right of way and finishing up design," said Hastings Director of Engineering Lee Vrooman. "From the city's side, we've been working very hard on utility design, getting all of the plans and estimates to the state so we can an agreement hopefully in the next month to bring to (city) council."

The proposed project is to build a three-lane roundabout with four points of entry and exit at the intersection of S Elm Ave. and Highway 6/J St. in Hastings. 

The initial plan was to build a five-lane roundabout, but the city council approved the downgrade to three lanes after a request from the Nebraska Department of Transportation in 2023. 

The state is responsible for coming up with the final design of the project, and is in the process of finishing the design.

According to city documents, the NDOT will pay for 100% of the three-lane preliminary engineering design, and 80% of the total project cost. 

Hastings will be responsible for picking up an estimated $6.3 million for construction work, plus just under $2 million for utility relocation along the stretch of the project. 

City officials estimate the total cost to the city will be around $8.5 million, with current total project estimates in between $40-$5 million.

Vrooman says the main reason for the project is to renovate the worn-down highway, and to eliminate two awkward intersections on Highway 6.

"I think their main hope with the roundabout is it increases that flow of traffic, and we are getting rid of that weird intersection at South and Elm right now where you have two entry points that aren't square with the highway."

Vrooman says the City of Hastings is aiming to have a utility plan agreement with the state by March to present to the city council afterwards.

Utility work is expected to bring in the spring this year.

The city plans to open bids for construction in the fall.

More information about the Hastings Southeast Road Project can be found on engage.cityofhastings.org