Groups to make case for expressway

Proponents of a four-lane link between Interstates 80 and 70 will make their case before key state officials next week.

Southwest Nebraskans will have a chance to provide public input on area transportation needs at District 7 planning meeting conducted by the Nebraska Department of Roads at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Holiday Inn Express on North U.S. Highway 83 in McCook.

John Craig, Director of the Nebraska Department of Roads, one of the main decision-makers when it comes to Nebraska road projects, will -- be at the meeting.

The McCook Economic Development Corp. and the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce hope that one of the projects that will be considered is the Highway 83 Expressway.

They would like the state to study the possibility of connecting Interstate 80 in North Platte with Interstate 70 in Kansas, using a four-lane expressway.

Proponents of the idea feel the project should be a priority for the State of Nebraska for many reasons.

The nation's global economy continues to demand faster and more efficient transportation of goods and services. Investments in interstates and expressway highways stimulate economic growth and population growth.

In addition, increasing pressure, particularly from truck traffic on Interstate 80, calls for improved connections between the interstate systems.

Highway 83 is one of the longest north-south highways in the United States. Connecting the two major east-west interstates in western Nebraska and Kansas would be beneficial to both states, they say.

Rex Nelson, Executive Director of McCook EDC, said -- "There is strong evidence that there is demand for better traffic access between 70 and 80. This would be a great location for that connection. It would certainly be beneficial for all of Southwest Nebraska."

The idea of a Highway 83 Expressway has been proposed before. Six years ago, the anticipated cost for this project was approximately $1 million per mile.

Today that estimated cost has increased significantly -- national estimates are more than $5 million per mile. --

"And the costs will continue to increase the longer we wait," said Linda Taylor, who is involved with the project through the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce.

The first step in seeing this project become a reality is to complete a Corridor Location Environmental Study. The study would assess the needs, benefits, impacts and feasibility of the project. -- The study would also map out a proposed route for the project and estimate of costs.

Taylor estimates that the study could take 3-5 years to complete and would cost approximately $2 million.

"Garnering political and community support for the project is critical," said Taylor.

Letters have been sent to area city and county governmental bodies, asking them to attend the planning meeting on Nov. 12 and to pass a resolution in support of the Highway 83 Expressway.

The meeting will be open to the public. "Last year, the meeting was only attended by about four people," stated Wolford.

Taylor and Nelson are encouraging anyone with an interest in the Highway 83 Expressway to attend the meeting.