Road Construction on US 81/US 30/I-80 (Grand Island, Columbus: how much, motel, law)

[Chris19]

I looked at the Nebraska Department of Roads website and see their map and legend and it is a little on the vague side compared to what I am used to in South Dakota. I would like to get additional perspective (how much of delay to expect) on the road construction going on US 81 between Yankton and Columbus, US 30 between Columbus and Grand Island, I-80 between Grand Island and the Wyoming border.

I know that they are working on the bridge in Yankton and heard it many times in the South Dakota media. I understand that there are a couple minor projects along US 81 and US 30 has work done to it between Clarks and Silver Creek (this one I am the most curious about), and roadwork along I-80 in a few spots where there is single-lane, head to head, traffic.

I plan to go trough Nebraska later this week. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Sandhills Guru]

Hwy 81 from SD border to Columbus should be smooth sailing at this time I can say without much delay. Just ran that route.

[tpabes]

I think I heard that they are working on the U.S. 30 viaduct in Columbus, but shouldn't be too much of a delay, otherwise I believe you will just run into minor projects.

[lisalynn]

Grand Island on Hwy 30 "2nd street" they have that torn up, street widening project. I would by pass that area completely. When you are coming to G.I. on Hwy 30, turn south on Gunbarrel, go to Hwy 34 "about 4 miles, then go west 2 1/2 miles to Locust, turn South on Locust and that will take you directly to interstate 80.

[Chris19]

That sounds good. I would like to thank everyone for the helpful tips. I was curious about the stretch of US 30 between Silver Creek and Clarks. I understand that there is work being done. Once I know more about that, I should be in good shape.

[Sandhills Guru]

Originally Posted by Chris19

That sounds good. I would like to thank everyone for the helpful tips. I was curious about the stretch of US 30 between Silver Creek and Clarks. I understand that there is work being done. Once I know more about that, I should be in good shape.

They are grinding the surface in that area for sure, multiple stopping is what our son in law said today when we talked to him, he said it probably added another 15 minutes on to his drive.

US 30 viaduct in Columbus south bound was down to 1 lane. Be ready for next year as they plan to totally close US 30 through Columbus to replace the viaduct.

[Muldrake42]

For the record, the construction on Hwy 30 through GI isn't all that bad. If you're familiar with the area or are confident you can navigate the unmarked alternative route then you should take that. But if you're like me and have a little fear of finding the non-beaten path in unfamiliar areas then you should stick to Hwy 30 through GI; it's a well designed detour that you really can't miss and it's not as if there's construction crews stopping the flow of traffic.

[Chris19]

Thanks for the tip. I plan to take US 30 into Grand Island and take Walnut down to Locust and stay at a motel on Locust St. I am not too worried after knowing more about the road construction. The main concern is with the volatile weather that is taking place in this part of the country.

[tpabes]

They are saying a chance of scattered strong storms tommorow, then a chance of storms through Monday. Since you are going west, you will be driving out of the system that is causing all this weather.

[tpabes]

An update Chris, if you are arriving tonight, it looks like we are in for another round. This will be round three, we got another round this morning, luckily only severe for a short time. Time to start worrying about flooding though. Grand Island is just outside the moderate risk area and if it is like last night the worst will be in SW Nebraska and northern Kansas.