Broad Street residents press Fremont for fixes as pavement cracks under heavy truck traffic

Several residents who live along Broad Street described recurring pavement failure, heavy truck traffic and safety concerns during public comment at the May 26 council meeting and asked the city to act.

Jean Javalier said months of heavy truck traffic have shaken houses and cracked pavement since a project was completed. "This road can't handle the amount of semi truck traffic it sees every day," Javalier said, asking the city for a plan to mitigate long‑term damage.

Don Atwell, also a resident on North Broad Street, said he observes engine braking and stoplight violations and called the council's attention to "leading indicators" — near misses that warn of future serious incidents. Atwell proposed lowering the speed limit on North Broad Street between 11th and 23rd streets to 25 mph, installing four‑way stops at Linden and 19th and petitioning the Nebraska Department of Roads to permit signage directing truck traffic to Highway 77.

Another public commenter, Ron Vlach, said repeated requests to staff about cemetery drainage that drains onto his property have gone unanswered and suggested personnel accountability.

Council members acknowledged the complaints. Councilman von Barron said the issue has evolved from earlier approvals and expressed concern about expanding alcohol or event activities that intersect with youth events on nearby facilities; Council members did not vote on a specific Broad Street remedy at the meeting but public speakers asked the council to develop and publicize a mitigation plan.

The council did not adopt any ordinance or contract related to Broad Street during this session; residents were encouraged to continue reporting violations to enforcement agencies and to coordinate with staff so the council can consider specific remedies.