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Council funds Section 106 design work for Loop River bridge; DOT reconstruction updates offered
Summary
The Columbus City Council approved a professional services agreement tied to mitigation for the Loop River bridge removal and received construction updates on NDOT’s 20 Third Street reconstruction and the Loop River South Bridges project.
On June 16, 2025 the Columbus City Council approved resolution R25-88 to authorize a professional services agreement with Burns McDonald Engineering Company for up to $190,000 to complete Section 106 design-phase services related to the Loop River bridge removal. City staff said the work is required because the bridge being removed is a historic resource; the cost will be reimbursed in full by the state of Nebraska.
The council heard two project updates from City Engineer Rick Bogus. For the Nebraska Department of Transportation 20 Third Street reconstruction project, Bogus told the council that sanitary, storm and water piping for phase 3 are complete and contractors are moving into the paving stage. He said 20 Sixth Avenue is closed while crews prepare subgrade for paving and that the roadway is expected to reopen in about four weeks, weather permitting; the overall paving stage should largely be open by September with some work continuing through November.
On the Loop River South Bridges project, Bogus said crews had removed most decking and were preparing for upcoming work that will allow in‑river access in August; he said the Bonney Park underpass was closed for work but would reopen by Aug. 1. The bridge mitigation work under Section 106 will include park improvements such as interpretive signage about the historic crossings, staff said.
Council members asked for clarification on funding and timeline; staff reiterated that the Section 106 mitigation costs are reimbursable through the state project. The council approved R25-88 after a motion and second with no additional recorded amendments.
Also during the meeting the council approved a separate professional services agreement for traffic signal improvements (R25-91) and several other capital project resolutions listed in the council’s consent and resolutions sections.
