Work to reconstruct a mile stretch of Highway 6 through Milford will require adjustment for area home and business owners, but Mayor Patrick Kelley believes the finished project will benefit the community for the distant future.
“I think it's going to be another fantastic project to continue to improve the overall appearance of our community,” he said. “Anywhere you go and you see new concrete, it has a cleaner, warmer feeling than something that's broken down.
“It gives the appearance as you drive through that we're taking those next steps to improve our community.”
The Nebraska Department of Transportation will conduct the reconstruction project on the 1.02 mile stretch through Milford beginning in the spring of 2023.
The proposed project includes pavement replacement, reconstruction of curb inlets and sewers, new sidewalks and new roadway lighting. Driveways and intersections will be reconstructed as well.
Ahead of the project, the DOT hosted a public forum Oct. 26 at the Milford Volunteer Fire Department to allow citizens the chance to see models of the project and ask questions.
Kelley said he was pleased with the turnout and felt citizens had pressing questions answered and received helpful information.
“I felt the meeting was very helpful, very informational and a great educational meeting to get the public aware of the project and how it's going to affect residents that live along the roadway,” he said.
Kelley added one of the main concerns answered was rumors of the DOT using imminent domain to conduct the project. Kelley said that was not the case, as all features of the project are within the DOT's right of way. Guests were also able to fill out comment cards.
“From an educational standpoint, I think it cleared up a lot of questions and we felt it was a really positive vibe from the community that evening,” he said.
Aside from the forum, Kelley said citizens will also have the opportunity at the Nov. 9 open house for the new city hall to see the project and submit comments as well.
Comments will be gathered and processed by the DOT and used to format the final design. Kelley said he's pleased the DOT took steps to gather public comment before moving forward with the project.
“There are a lot of good benefits happening with this and we need to partner with the public and make sure they're aware of those and make sure the project can move through with the community's support,” he said.
