Kearney's roundabout plans hit a bump, but still on track
Plans for a new roundabout at the Highway 30 and University Drive intersection are back on track after taking a brief detour due to a legal hiccup in the bid process.
By News Channel NebraskaEDITOR'S NOTE: This article originally said the council approved a new bid process. The article now reflects that the council approved the low bid for the project.
KEARNEY, Neb. - Plans for a new roundabout at the Highway 30 and University Drive intersection are back on track after taking a brief detour due to a legal hiccup in the bid process.
Council members unanimously approved the bid during Tuesday's official meeting, ensuring both compliance and NDOT’s funding.
Nielsen Contracting was awarded the contract for $3,481,602.89, with no construction timeline yet in place.
Kearney officials had hoped to get the project started earlier, with the bid secured in January, but the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) notified the city that it had only advertised for 18 days which is two days shy of the legal limit.
At the meeting City Manager Brenda Jensen said the city had worked out the issue with NDOT earlier that day.
The city is on the hook for just over $300,000, and UNK and NDOT will split the remaining costs.
The roundabout is intended to make the busy intersection safer for pedestrians and more efficient for drivers around University Village and University of Nebraska-Kearney's West Campus.