Celebration Set For Opening Of Highway 12 Over Niobrara River

A celebration is planned on Tuesday afternoon to recognize the opening of Highway 12 over the Niobrara River.

Today, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) announced Director Kyle Schneweis will join Niobrara area stakeholders to recognize the collaborative efforts of the NDOT and others in the opening of Highway 12 over the Niobrara River.  With the opening of the temporary bridge over the Mormon Canal and repairs made to the bridge over the Niobrara River, mobility has been re-established in the area.
 
This marks a major milestone since the March 2019 flood event caused significant damage to the approach and girders of the bridge over the Niobrara and completely washed out the bridge over the Mormon Canal.  The temporary and permanent reconstruction of Highway 12 is one of the most complex flood recovery projects in the state.
 
During the event, NDOT Director Schneweis will join industry partners and local stakeholders to make remarks before taking questions.  This event is open to the public.
 
What: NDOT Director Schneweis to join industry partners, state and local officials to recognize efforts
resulting in the early opening of Hwy. 12.
 
When: 2:00 PM CT on Tuesday, August 13, 2019
 
Where: West end of the Mormon Canal Bridge just east of where the temporary road diverges to the
bridge.  Parking is very limited at the event site and shuttle ride service is available for attendees at the
old NDOT Niobrara Maintenance yard at the northeast corner of the junction of Highways 12 and 14.
 
Who: Speakers are, in order of appearance:

• Jody Stark, Niobrara Mayor
• Kyle Schneweis, NDOT Director
• Joe Werning, FHWA
• Kevin Domogalla, NDOT District 3 Engineer
• Margaret Sandoz, Niobrara Public Schools
• Jeff Sockel, Alfred Benesch & Company
• Nick Gaebel, Hawkins Construction