Community support made difference on Super 2 funding

McCOOK, Neb. -- The never-quit determination of the McCook community is receiving praise today as the major reason the Nebraska Department of Roads set aside $60 million in funding for a "Super 2" Highway between McCook and North Platte.

Inspired by the perseverance of former McCook Mayor Linda Taylor and Highway.

Commissioner Greg Wolford of McCook, citizens joined together this summer to speak as one in support of a "Super 2" at a road department listening session at McCook's Community Hospital.

In approving the "Super 2" between McCook and North Platte, the Nebraska Department of Roads declared that the improvement "meets a long-term, regional need."

The project will add passing lanes every three to five miles along the 60-mile long stretch of highway. As a result, the new highway will greatly lessen the problems caused by the traffic-slowing hills and valleys along the 83 corridor. The no-passing problem is compounded by heavy use by trucks and farm traffic, seasonal fog and the abundance of wildlife in the area.

The roads department recognized the regional support which led to the project's approval, saying "While their preference would be a four-lane highway," the regional highway supporters "realized that option is not financially feasible at this time and upgrading to a Super 2 would be a substantial improvement."

District 7 Engineer Kurt Vosburg of McCook applauded approval of the "Super 2" project, giving special credit to Taylor and Wolford for their efforts on behalf of the project.

The District 7 staff will have a key role in the project, providing the project managers and staff for the 40 miles of highway located in Red Willow and Frontier counties. The rest of the project -- from the Frontier-Lincoln county line to the outskirts of North Platte, a 20-mile stretch -- will be under the direction of the district highway office staff in North Platte.

Although the project is targeted for 2024, work will get under way sooner. "We are getting ready to move ahead with a project from Maywood south on UI.S. 83, which will ultimately become the first link on the "Super 2" project," Vosburg said.