Work Begins On Hwy 71 North Of Scottsbluff

The Nebraska Department of Transportation says work has begun on 9-mil project on Hwy 71 from the north end of Scottsbluff to the Scotts Bluff-Sioux County line.

Werner Construction of Hastings is the prime contractor for the project, which includes repairs to a bridge over the Tri-State Canal, new roadway and driveway asphalt, and reseeding in areas affected by the construction.

Traffic will be one-lane during the bridge repairs with temporary traffic signals in use for about 2 months.

The new paving, expected to be completed in November, will have daytime lane closures with a pilot car and flaggers plus a 12-foot width restriction.

The NDOT reminds motorists that fines doubled in work areas with drivers urged to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.