Part of State Street in Grand Island reopens after summer closure

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.(KSNB) — A section of State Street in Grand Island is open after a closure that began June 1 and required drivers to detour for nearly the entire summer.

The reopened section runs from U.S. 281 to Lawrence Lane and Overland Drive. The project is a $2.8 million investment.

What the project included

The work on this part of the project included improvements to the curb and gutter roadway section, sidewalk, traffic control, drainage and more.

Project took longer than planned

This portion of the project was supposed to be completed in August. City leaders said they needed more time.

“It took a little bit longer than we expected,” said Tim Golka, project engineer for the City of Grand Island. “The rain didn’t help us at all this construction season; all our projects are a little bit behind. We still have the west side of 281 closed by Menards.”

Business owner reports slowdown

Amber Jones, owner of Play It Again Sports, said the closure affected her customers.

“Business has slowed down,” Jones said. “It hurt our business. Now that it is open, it’s easier to get to work.”

West side of Highway 281 remains closed

The west side of U.S. 281 is still closed. The city said it hopes to have that portion open by Thanksgiving.

Click here to subscribe to our KSNB Local4 daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.