How's that viaduct problem working out for you?

At noon today, traffic on 23rd Ave., 26th Ave. and 8th St. appeared to be moving in an orderly fashion. Traffic might get a little worse from here on out till completion of the 33rd Ave. viaduct this Fall.

Just so the City of Columbus is prepared for all the lawsuits that WILL be coming their way. We live 5 miles south of Columbus and I have a heart condition and my sig. other has prostate cancer. I already know if there is an emergency I might as well kiss my BUTT goodbye. We also cannot babysit our grandson everyday like we have been, while his mom and dad work @ BD because they drive in from Humphrey and can't make the trip out here and be on time for work. Now they have to pay a daycare center and he (our grandson) doesn't understand why he can't go to grandma & grandpa's no more. Maybe I should have the city explain that to him!!!

Just heard down 8th street cops have 2 semis pulled over and traffic is backed up. Hope this runs smoother once everyone gets used to it. To Jodi: Maybe they could leave earlier and make it to your house on time? It's not the city responsability to make sure your kids don't have to pay for daycare.

To Jody...
Why don't you meat them somewhere to get your grandson before work. I would think if it was that important to you to be with your him, you would find another alternative. Go get him. Meet them at BD or somewhere north of the tracks so they can get to work on time, don't have to pay day care and you can still spend your days with your grandson. Adjustments will have to be made by everyone. It's temporary and will be safer for everyone in the long run.

DUHHHH Did the higher ups in the city council ever think about where all them pigeons are going to live Maybe we can go one up on McDowells and add pigeon the Bougerking dollar menu
1$ x 11,000 sandwiches = One aerial photograph- 1 VIDUCT
eat em boys

I just don't know why alot of people think they should sue the city/state over this. How many times was the viaduct issue voted down by the people? The hospital has been on the north side of the tracks since about 1970 give or take a couple of years. When buying a home you should take that into account, most people knew that viaduct was going to come down in the near future.
Well said just heard. I have one more comment though. I'm sorry to hear you have a heart condition and your sig. other has prostate cancer. Is it wise for someone in your condition(s) to babysit your grandson? He might be better off at a daycare center in case the worst does happen and you do have to "kiss your BUTT goodbye". Not trying to be insensative but if I were his parents I would opt for the daycare.

After much review and discussion, the idea of NOT putting up DETOUR signs in and around the city of Columbus is really really DUMB.
The reasoning is faulty. Please review this and put up detour signs for those who do not read the paper or watch city council meeting on TV!
This is akin to hiding information (not good public policy).

why doesn't the city change the timing on the street lights now?
north light was green alot longer than the east/west. Stayed green long enough for 3 cars to go through then went yellow.
I was just thankful it wasn't 3:30pm when the factories were off.
10 months is along time...

It's unbelievable to me that the citizens and leaders of Columbus still haven't fixed this issue. You have handcuffed a city of 20,000 plus by not creating the necessary infrastructure to support your traffic. Wake up and smell the coffee folks.... you need more viaducts!!!!!

I posted in a previous article about the traffic being stopped on the tracks because no one was worried about the timing of the lights downtown. Mangimelli (sp?) was too worried about the traffic lights on 33rd and 8th for convenience sake of those who live at Wagner’s. This town is so dysfunctional. They probably still haven't done a thing about it. The worst part is that if they would have started building a new viaduct as soon as they new this closure was suspect, it would just about be done by now. But they wanted to argue a little longer because they didn’t want anyone telling them how to run their “city”.

I think the Mayor had better go watch the traffic on the tracks. If someone gets hurt, he will have blood stained hands. There is no excuse, NO EXCUSE for lack of planning with this much advance notice. This absurdity is a direct reflection of the incompetence and short-sightedness of several individuals. They should be ashamed. You’d be hard pressed to convince me that victim of circumstance qualifies as progress. This group could find their hind side with both hands even if you gave them a swift kick.

I haven't been here for a few years, but weren't they going to build another viaduct on the east side of Columbus?

Well, I left the house 20 min earlier than normal and got to work 15 min ahead of schedule. Traffic was fairly light at that time, but I shudder to think of what it was like closer to 8 AM!

The stop lights have to be changed. How dumb are the people running the show? The light for traffic heading west on 8th needs to be by far the longest. It currently allows maybe 5 vehicles through. This should be a very extended light because people coming from the south can turn onto 8th street while the light is red. But that is probably just common sense and we wouldn't want to do that

Quit complaining about it and deal with it. People don't relize this but all the semi are now detoured into Genoa. During the morning and afternoon our children have to cross main street to get to school and now we have all of your semi's coming this way making it unsafe for our children. So please grow up and deal with it. At one point 5 semi's were at the school intesection at one time. Not very safe.

It wasn't bad around 7:30-8:00 I left 8th st and about 20th ave, went to Super saver, then wife to BD on 12th ave and son to Centenial school all in that 1/2 hr. Wasn't bad at all. People need to quit complaining and drive smart. If the light is red don't sit on the tracks. DUH! Don't blame the city, or the lights use your fricken heads and DON'T PARK ON THE TRACKS, if you can't get across stop BEFORE THEM! Real simple!

I live right on 8th street not even a block away from the major intersection by Kum and Go. And I watched the traffic in front of my house for an hour, bumper to bumper probably 4 blocks deep! I feel for all of you! I took side roads to get home and really didn't have much of a problem. I took 9th and some nice man let me cross 8th, took 7th down to a block past my house and hopped back on 8th and pulled right into my driveway. But with heading south on my way home I was in a line of cars atleast 3 blocks long of cars sitting at the stop sign and here comes a train and i prayed nobody was sitting on those tracks! It could be deadly! And this morning i was on my way to work and almost got smacked because some idiot got antsy and decided to go around the turning car and we ended up facing eachother almost hit! Be considerate please! I know it's frustrating but please don't hurt anyone!

The inconvience will be worth it compared to the lawsuit that would happen when the old viaduct would collapse and kill some people. Instead of the city of "power & progress" it sounds like the city of "whiners & wimps".

Wow. What a response to my comment. First of all, to Duh, since I am in a wheelchair with no legs it is not possible for me to go to town at 6:30 every morning to get my grandson. I did not say it was the fault of the city that my kids have to pay for childcare! I said maybe they should explain to my grandson why he can't come to grandma's everday like he has.To cinorg. I find it hurtful and pray that there are not alot of people like you in the world!

p.s. We are already making adjustments.
My son, who also works at BD gets off at *am, so he will pick up our Grandson at daycare and bring him out to us. I offered a comment about the closing. Maybe instead of focusing on my comment you should stick to the closing and how it affects you, rather than giving advice to someone who you know nothing about! I pray for you.

I have been reading and hearin all this bad talk about the viaduct closure. It makes me roll my eyes at all of this nonsense. I too am one of the many that live on the south side of Columbus, and am also caught up in the daily commute. I don't see this as too much of a problem like others put it up to be. Like building a new viaduct before closing this one was as easy as building it with legos. Then if the old viaduct was to have collapsed everybody would be like "oh they should have closed it if it were a safety concern" or "the city is responisble, they should have torn it down" bla-bla-bla. This is for the well being of the people who use this viaduct. Now there are other ways to get to our destination, just stop being lazy and leave earlier! I have

ALL I HAVE LEFT TO SAY IS I WAS NOT AFRAID TO USE MY REAL NAME IN THESE COMMENTS. HOW ABOUT ALL OF YOU?

Four-way stops are dangerous and it takes twice as long to get though them as a stop light. Temporary traffic signals would make more sense along 8th street.

Any truck driver trying to get through town because they don't think the detour applies to them should be ticketed and fined.

One good thing that may come of this is that residents may actually learn the art of courteous driving. I've lived a lot of places in this country and Columbus has by far the most unfriendly drivers.

Tell your grandson his parents are to lazy to get up 20 mins early so he can go to g-mas house. Now he has to go to daycare. Again it's not the citys fault.

Jodi I am sorry for all the mean and hurtful things all the people of Columubs has said, just remember you are intitled to your comments and all the judgemental.....make me understand why you choose to live outside of Columbus. Most people who only have hurtful things to say need to take a close look at thier life. Shame on all of you.

Watch for kids that have to cross 8th street on there way home from school. Go to the 4 way stop signs and take your time. There are some real jerks that drive! It will all work out and we will be happy when it is all done. I do live on the southside of town. Trust me I do have to live with the traffic just like everybody else has to.Just keep remember that we all need to get to some place to.

There is a steady stream of truck traffic on HWY 22, thanks to columbus. I predict more speeding tickets, and car/truck accidents this year on HWY 22. Poor Genoa, those trucks have to go thru right down town.

to Jody. you know how to fire up a whole bunch of whinners, a couple of things you could of used though was the fact that the last via-duct was built with bid-rigging and kick-backs also the streets downtown will be tore up from all the highway 30-81 traffic damage. don't let those dumbasses get to you, they don't count in the big picture that is your life.

Well I am A-OK !Of course I live on the north side of town and I am going to avoid the south side for the next 9 months so ya no problems at all. Kinda fell sorry for those who have to cross back and forth but not really that much. Should be no complaints from the butler county folks cause they are by far the worst drivers in the state every day of the year.(In my opinion)

I left at the same time for work this morning and didn't really notice a problem. Of course, I live North of town, so that helps.

Dang....I live in Arizona and it confused me.

Columbus people are funny. The city builds a new, safer viaduct and all I hear is complaints and threats of lawsuits. LOL, Columbus is funny, you think you have a traffic problem if it takes more than 15 minutes to get anywhere in town!

People sure do love to complain.... I am more fearful of the increase of semi's on highway 22, not only will the road become even more destroyed, but I too am fearful of many accidents, esp, if we get some icy roads.....PLATTE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT,,,,COULD YOU PLEASE LET YOUR PRESENCE BE KNOWN ALONG HIGHWAY 22, ESP BY MONROE, WHERE THEY ARE NOT ONLY SPEEDING BUT JAKE BREAKING AS WELL!!!TY

Any theories about what is going to happen when the Union Pacific closes more crossings BEFORE the viaduct is rebuilt?

That is the plan.

I'm glad to see that there are other people that live in Columbus think that the city council are fools. I moved here 4 years ago, and have really enjoyed shopping at Wal-Mart. I enjoy having the same clothes, coolers and food, what a Great Value. It makes so much sense to limit the shopping in a town, so people will go elsewhere to shop. How will a community grow with that kind of thinking? Just like the viaduct issue. I see that the council's minds are on the same track. Speaking of tracks. I can see it now. A car gets stuck on the railroad tracks, in the congested traffic. There's no way out. But wait, here comes Hancock to save.... Oh wait, that was a movie. I feel sorry for the person that actually does get stuck there. Sucks to be you.

No problems here, of course I live north of the tracks and my wife and I both work north of the tracks. I believe the traffic will get better in time. The city should have timed the lights different with what is going on though, that I really dont understand?

If people would have listened to what Arnie Stuthman said, that a bridge needed to be built between Bellwood and Columbus none of this congestion would be happening. The detour route would be much shorter and the traffic would not pose a problem at all. Another great idea lost because of the wrong people in charge!

Why is there traffic being routed through Genoa? I thought the detour went through Monroe to Highway 81 or 30. Seems like that's even more out of the way for the truck drivers isn't it??

Most truckers are not stupid enough to go through Genoa. They will go N off of Hwy 30 on the northbound Monroe highway. The owner of the convenience station in Monroe just hit a Nebr. lottery ticket for about $100,000. Now he just hit the jackpot again! Free hamburgers on the house Todd. Just having a little fun with him!

As an individual who routinely sits in at least an hour (rush hour) traffic each way each day while working, I find all of this "chaos" is C-bus extrememly hilarious.

"Lawsuits" because people can't manage their time... hahahahahaha.

Get a grip.

I don't live in Columbus anymore, but I think it's really sad how much everyone complains about everything, whether it's the viaduct closing or the pawnee plunge or whatever....I think the whole city of columbus (minus a good few) needs to have an attitude adjustment. Maybe if everyone stopped complaining and started making a positive contribution, things would start turning around. There are businesses closing left and right because they aren't supported by the citizens of the community. Granted we are in very tough times economically, but if anything is ever going to get better in Columbus, it starts with each and every one of you.

My,oh,my!The Mayor and City Administrator need to take a proactive stance to alleviate all the tension getting built up. Instead some add to it with uncaring comments or insensitive statements. This war of words will hurt this community for years and years to come. Some of this will never heal. Community and state leaders, could you not really see this coming?

Are they at least going to make it 3 lanes on each side? I'm looking for it to be better than before.

Thank you to whom ever changed the traffic light at 33rd and 8th to flashing red. This works great, and I've had no problem getting through. Good idea !! A Wagner lake resident.

Wheres Arnie. Thank you. I was hoping someone would bring that up.

All this "we need viaducts now" isn't going to help. We didn't address the issue for 30 years. So 10 months is not a big deal. I come in from the south too, take 8th St. over to 26th Ave. and cruise north. No problems.

Also, I keep a scanner on each night...the Columbus PD is pulling over a TON of trucks. Thank you!

Again, no whining :-)

What whiners!

I also no longer live in Columbus, and I think your comments are very well said.

complain, complain, complain, complain, complain, complain, complain, complain, complain, complain, complain, complain, geez I am starting to sound like everyone else around here!

Tell me again why the city would get a lawsuit because parents cannot take their child to their grandparents? Also, I do not believe that just the Columbus Hospital is obliged to take you as their patient. There are other hospitals around.

I live in Butler County and I switched doctors to a doctor in Seward, and I will do my shopping in Seward also. i keep seeing people say "not the city's fault". WRONG! This is the city's fault! The city had the option to fix this long ago and did NOTHING!! There is bound to be a major catastrophe with the semi's on side roads, all the traffic being rerouted near the schools, not to mention the trains (and you know that UPRR is worried about $ signs, not the citizens of columbus) I find it very sad and very disheartening that the city of Columbus cares about thier citizens so little.

To all former and non residents of Columbus. I think you should mind your own business. This does not affect you. We people of Columbus are dealing with this on a daily basis and will do the best we can to cope. Fran kly I'vd not talked to a single soul who is complaining or whining.

To resident:
You couldnt be more wrong, this is definately our business. My entire family lives in Columbus, my dad is extremely ill, I live in Butler County. So if something happens and I have to get to thier home or the hospital, it affects me. I DID my shopping in Columbus, I DID have a doctor there. I DID bring my residents from work there for recreation (out to eat etc) Point being that it is OUR business also. I lived in columbus for 20 years. AGAIN it is my business.

The voters turned down a 3rd Avenue viaduct that would have been built all ready. The City Council voted to close only one side of the 33rd Avenue viaduct but the State overroad the decision. It is just wrong to blame the Mayor and City Council for this mess. I suggest you blame this on the voters and Arnie Stuthman. The voters could have prevented the traffic mess. Arnie did nothing to stop the State from making this mess.

To "To Resident". I think my comments went out to people not affected.

It's so funny to me that all people can do on here is complain, or complain about people complaining.

None of you are better than any other.
I'm in highschool and I get that more than most of you seem to.

This is a board for people to say what they want to say. If people want to complain, let them. You don't have to read it. It isn't like it's causing or fixing anything right now.

Does anyone know why the Monroe Blacktop west of Duncan (The Road that travels from hwy 30 to HWY 81N) not used as a detour route? The current detour north of Silver Creek goes too far west and it goes through Genoa to boot.

............Historian...............

YOU ARE RIGHT ON !!!!!!!!!!

My evil plan to destroy this town is working! I've even managed to inconvienence people in wheelchairs which I really enjoy doing! Awesome! I can't wait until they get the 3rd and 12th Ave overpasses done. Then all you people will complain about the 8th St. traffic. Then you will all complain about the 8th St. construction to widen the road. I feed off your misery! My influence has made you so lazy! You complain about the mayor but none of you ran against him! Lazy! Again thanks so much for all the complaining, it makes my work seem worthwhile. I love it! I'm going to laugh myself to sleep tonight. Keep it up narrow minded loosers! God will have his day soon but until then I'm going to party! Hey pop quiz for those of you who can take time out of making babies out of wedlock (that makes me laugh too) to look something up. Define "railroad right of way" and figure out who was here first, the railroad or the city of Columbus. If that nice guy God gave you a 100 pound bar of gold you would complain it was heavy! I love you people!!!!!!! See you soon.

Your Dark Overlord,
The Devil

Monroe blacktop has a weight limit on it. They widened the road in Genoa in front of the school to make it easier for the semi's

i hope all of you who vote republican remember what lower taxes and smaller gov't can get you! i moved out of Columbus in 1997 and that viaduct was falling apart way back then. i can't believe it lasted this long. and usually normal cities build a new bridge before tearing down the old one. good luck!

"Unbelivable"...I completely agree with you. Columbus needs a better infrastructure. I moved away from this town in 1992 and moved back 3 months ago. I lived in Kearney for the last 10 plus years. Columbus is WAY behind Kearney in terms of infrastructure. It is exponentially easier to get around in Kearney. One viaduct is rediculous. The streets are rough and poorly maintained. I am disappointed in how the city has failed to keep up with the times. I am, however, hopeful for more.

Resident,

Um... I just find it hilarious and, due to the magic of internet posts, I am able to express that.

Seriously, "coping," "dealing with this" ??? I'm so sorry about your loved one just being diagnosed with a terminal illness.... OH WAIT, you are peeved about the viaduct issue. Oh, of course!

Hey, Lindsay Boy!

Come to Genoa and watch all the "stupid truck drivers" go through town.

I am not having much problem with the closure becuase I have a flexible work schedule and drive at non-peak times. Untill people get accustomed to the different routes there wiill be traffic problems especially from 11-13 streets on 26 AVe and 23rd Ave. I try to avoid these areas. Columbus is not so big that that people can't adjust their drive routes. The final product will be well worth it.

The issue comes down to a city of residents that couldn't make a decision where they wanted a viaduct. But the blame lies on the city council that doesn't have a backbone to just make a decision and live with it. City Council....You can't please everyone and you never will so make some decision and quit wasting our money on stupid studies.

I use the visduct 4-6 times per day and I am looking forward to the new viaduct opening. I seem to remember a 12th ave viaduct being voted down years ago. I just can't see how that would have been disturbing to the cemetaries, which was the big argument against that location. I think that people who don't like what is happening withour City Council need to consider running for office when their council seat opens. At least we still have jobs to drive to every morning. I am sure that the people who have lost thier jobs would be very grateful to deal with this issue every morning ON THEIR WAY TO WORK.

The bridge south of Monroe is a 50,000# weight limit bridge as stated on the certification emblems embedded in the concrete. Most semi-tractor trailer combinations gross at 80,000#. That equates to a 30,000# over-weight condition that the State Trooper DOT Enforcement Division will REALLY frown on. And also make a huge dent in trucker's wallet from fines imposed.

Also, the Monroe road is not a concrete-based road, just asphalt on top of dirt. You saw what happened to it a couple years ago when the bridge south of Genoa was being re-built and this was the detour road. It tore this road up real bad.

This makes me laugh. Whine and Complain. The citizens created this problem by voting down the viaducts. The new one will be up within the year. Maybe next time you will all vote for a second or maybe third viaduct.

The crossings at 12th and 18th AVE on Thursday Feb. 6th were blocked at 3:00 pm due to an emergency.
Area emergency agencies were notified.
GOOD JOB (no pun intended)

Genoa has seen a huge influx of traffic thru Nance county. Truckers driving thru on hwy 30 are asking about the detour and are glad it doesnt effect them if driving thru Columbus east and west. otherwise they take the detour route south of Genoa.

All traffic is being diverted. too bad for Columbus businesses.

QUOTE: "If people would have listened to what Arnie Stuthman said"

So if I listened, then what? I would have gone out and built the bridge myself? I would have paid for one?

Anyone can say, "What we need..." or "You know, we ought to..." Getting it done is something else.

Are they going to make it THREE LANES on each side this time????

Arnie tried to get state and federal funding for the Bellwood bridge. Nobody was going for it. If anything, a coalition of city and county representatives really could have helped this measure receive funding. That can be blamed on city reps, county reps, and Arnie...

WOW!!! I have not even read all the comments and all ready getting sick. For all of you who are complaining leave Columbus and never come back we will have a better city then

@casper: that is funny, there would be nobody left!!!

There was a medical emergency on the south side of the RR track today and the Emergency Agencies responded - Yes there was even a train!
Our Men and Women on duty still had the situation in control because they have radios and communicate!!!

Good Job Columbus Emergency Workers!

to zwiddlez
you just made me more happy that I live out of Columbus, you and all the other illiterate, rude people that seem to be in abundance in Columbus.

Won't be long and all of you will have worse things to whine about. The idiot that was voted into office and his congress are working on bring this whole country to it's knees and you're all so absorbed in your complaining you think the most important thing in the world is a viaduct. 1 year from now, you won't care if it was even built. The dumbing of society..

I remember not to long ago where Arnie Stuthman went before the city council and presented a bridge over the Platte River in the area of Bellwood. A city councilman named Joe Jarecke said, he could not be for a bridge over the Platte River at Bellwood because it would take traffic away from Columbus. He said where the trucks go so will the cars and he could not be for this bridge. Thats our city council at its best.

To WTH. A doctor in Seward? Now you are driving farther, wasting more gas. Your comments on time management make no sense at all. Now on the fact the the Mayor and council dont pay attention, well they havent for years. They are oblivious to your needs, because all they care about is that little extra income they get along with the perks. I still feel that the council and Mayor ought to be a volunteer position that is voted in. How many would get involved if they werent getting perks and getting paid. This is what is wrong with the society we live in. Make me president or senator or mayor and pay me $1 a year and I will still do it for free. Some of us really do care.

Do you mean to tell me that this project started without consideration for temperary homes for all of the pigeons who's homes were destroyed by taking down the viaduct? How could you people be so insensitive to the needs of poor defensless birds. PETA will be notified.

Reference: facetious.

OOPS

Look who made a mistake!

Yesterday I said it was day 6 and it was really day 5.

So there you go. No only the Mayor and City Counsel and RR make mistakes.

My apologies to all my faithful readers out there.

PS - has anyone noticed if left turns are legal while crossing 33rd AVE between 15th and 19th streets?

I haven't experienced any major problems or delays so far.But then again I am planning in advance for possible delays( I leave home a little earlier). The only problems I can forsee is IDIOTS not following the rules. WHO in their right mind would stop on the tracks? Give me a break. THEY are the things we should be worried about.

I drive in most every day during the week, my trips are going well. I do miss out on the AM and PM rush hour. The Paws and Claws need to come out and catch those pigeons and get them out in to foster homes before the weather gets bad, Hope the new viaduct makes them a better home. So they can come back. They do not complain but do poop on what ever. So every body needs to have a hat on. There has been a lot of poop sailing around town. It centers around the viaduct.

I wonder if the workers will work today on the bridge, as it is a Sunday. I myself grew up working on Sundays so if they are hiring Sunday workers, then please contact me via the Telegram. My name is Day.
And yes, I am a former farmer from far far afar.

I beleive that traffic would run smoother if you made 7th & 8th streets one way through streets for the duration of the construction. The traffic at 8th St & 33rd Ave would improve if there was a flashing yellow light for the west bound traffic, and a red flasing light for the eastbound traffic. Consider making 26th ave and 23rd avenues one way streets also. Consider not permiting left turns onto 8th street from 26th or 23rd ave.

Here is a couple of reciepes that may be of interest to some readers.

Pigeon with Cherries

2 Good plump pigeons
1 oz Drippings or bacon fat
2 Sliced shallots or spring
Onions
1 oz Flour
1 Bouquet garni (mixed herbs)
1/2 lb Red cherries stoned
1/2 oz Butter
Cream
1 1/2 pt Stock


Brown the pigeons slowly but throughly in the dripping in the casserole. Lift them out and in the same fat brown the sliced shallots. While the onions are browning split the pigeons in half and trim the backbone with the sissors. sprinkle the flour in the pan and brown lightly. Add the stock, bring to the boil and add the pigeons with the bouguet garni. Cook in the casserole in a slow to moderate oven for about 1 1/2 hours. then remove the pigeons carefully and keep warm. Reduce the sauce by boiling quickly until it is of a syrupy consistancy. Strain the sauce and replace it in the pigeons to reheat throughly. Add cream to taste. Sauter the stoned cherries quickly in the butter. Dish the pigeons. Pour over the sauce and scatter over the cherries, which should be sizzling hot.

I was wondering why I saw a street cart selling pigeon on a stick in Frankfurt Square on Saturday.

Just wondering why they never put a south turn signal for west bound drivers turning soth on 12th ave. on highway 30 like they did for the east bound going north on 12th. Seems like it would help move traffic a little quicker especially with the new viaduct being placed there.

Perhaps instead of spending all your time online complaining about how lousy/dirty/messed up/backward this town is you could take a little time and get out in the community and do your part to make it a better place to be? Shopping locally will help keep jobs and businesses, volunteering to pick up trash/deliver a meal/tutor a kid/..., being a polite and courteous driver, etc. etc. etc. will help all of us have a better town.
It seems like there are a lot of people who have a very small town attitude when it comes to what is wrong, but forget that small town spirit when it comes to making things better. Whether you choose to live here for work or family or what, this IS where you live and work. Why not try to make it a better place instead of whining about all the things you think are wrong with it.

It really sucks living on the southside of town now and when I go to work in the morning it is a mess, just a bunch of stupid Columbus drives that need to learn how to drive. ROAD RAGE!!!

I think it is absolutely amazing that within about 90 posts on this blog that the viaduct demolition is as far along as it is. Thanks to the telegram for the photos. I think they are moving at a very respectable rate and whoever the project manager (Anderson?) is should be commended for a great start. Take a look at the viaduct plan at the link below. The link the Telegram provided is a little dated. This link shows an art rendering in the background. I think this new viaduct will be very cool looking....dare I say a little powerful and progressive!@#$%^&(*)! Maybe the telegram could get some more images from the state for us to see???

http://www.nebraskatransportation.org/projects/columbus-viaduct/docs/columbusviaduct.pdf

I think the state did the right thing by tearing this down all at once. Any other way would have just been 1/2 hindquartered.

Oh, and thanks for the pigeon recipe!!! What kind of "whine" would you recommend?

The viaduct will still be two lanes both way, but the viaduct will reach further out to the intersections north and south and was told about a block further north and south of viaduct will be widened about 3 feet on both sides of highway, should be interesting how this turns out,I look forward to it.

To Dave
I believe the Idiot you said was just elected was actually your idiot elected 8 years ago. Have you not realized the mess we are in is because of his administration. Guess you don't with statements like yours

Okay, I'm big enough to admit I was wrong. I thought this would be a huge traffic nightmare, but what I've found is that traffic is even lighter than before. Getting in and around Emerson and the middle school hasn't been an issue, hardly any trucks to deal with, and I find it amazing how far they have gotten in removing the old viaduct. After the state got the signal issues worked out, I haven't had any issues with the 8th street and 33rd ave like the first night.

I've always liked the arches in the new viaduct. I think it'd be cool to have them lit up at night. It would provide a nice aesthetic appeal to the entire structure. Granted ornamental lighting is usually reserved for bridges spanning rivers, but I think it'd be very applicable in this situation...

For anyone wanting to see what the new viaduct will look like and to see similar arches being erected go to:

http://www.vimeo.com/1312624

There are 2 videos of the Ravenna arches being built. Columbus' will be just like this but twice as long (356') with 10 foot sidewalks on each side and architectural floodlights to illuminate the bridge arches. After it's completed it should be a lesson to all the naysayers about how a viaduct can help complement rather than divide a city. Let's push to make sure our other viaducts look as good as this one will. Archways to Power and Progress.

More information and phasing can be found at:

http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/projects/columbus-viaduct/docs/news-releases/1-26-09-NRrev.pdf

today i was coming down 8th street turning on 26th ave heading downtown and a semi turned on the same block to go down 8th street, i had to back up in all that trafic so he didnt go right over the top of my front end. THe truck was from walmart. where is the cops when someone is doing something illegal.

Maybe some colorful lighting for the water tower as well?

I love how quickly the bickering has subsided!!!

I have spent the last half an hour reading about who is to blame and how to deal with this issue. I am from Kearney, and I have seen many different senarios when there has been constructions. How much money is being spent to rebuild this viaduct? If the state is paying for it, its not on the city of columbus is it? In Grand Island, instead of viaducts, they have underground tunnels, and the trains go over them. Why doesn't the city or the railroad pay to have a couple of those built downtown and east and west of town. Its probably cheaper to dig a tunnel than to construct a viaduct.

Its gotta be done sometime, and it has probably been put off so long because of the situation has is happening now. There isn't really anyone to blame, unless go you go back about a hundred years and blame the engineers who built this city.

Nam Man, I didn't realize that the Executive branch of the Federal government got us into this mess. Could you explain how they did that? Don't skip over the details.

Manhawke, thanks for the great link. That was very interesting video, and I have favorited the website.

i cant believe some of these comments on here. shut up and deal with it you could have been born in iraq or somewhere then how bad do u think u would have it. oh and doesn't p.e.t.a stand for People 4 the Eating of Tastey Animals.

Maybe now the vote for the bridge by Bellwood would be a great idea so all the truck traffic can go through Columbus at a amooth rate. As the town grows how else can we get over the RIVER !!!!!!!! THINK ABOUT IT people of Columbus all of us trying to get to work drive around 25 miles to reach Columbus or drive through Schuyler and with a bridge at the narrow part of river WHICH WOULD BE A SAVINGS ALONE IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND FUEL ALONE TO ALL OF US

Label Maker
Under his and his cronies watch my friend, we/you will be paying for their watch a long time, our Grandkids too by the way

Ignorance is bliss and you are no exception. You ain't gotta clue.

I am laughing so hard right now. What are you folks going to do if there is some sort of real emergencey? The temporary closure of a viaduct and the detour of traffic is a minor inconveniece...for most anyway. The construction of a new viaduct is for safety reasons foremost. People complain about inferior infrustructure and then complain about the inconvience, and that is all it generally is, of having to add 20 minutes to their day. It seems that as a collective whole, everyone is complaining while the city of Columbus should be fortunate to be able to afford new infrastructure.

Really? Who cares about the pigeons? Disease carrying rats with wings.

Jeff, you nailed it on the head. The inconvenience of having to take more time to get somewhere will be short lived. This city has needed a new viaduct for some time. It will be welcomed. But, why stop there? Improve the roads, add more viaducts. Make it mandatory for business owners to maintain their properties at a certain level. This seems the perfect time to hunker down and improve the city and it's appearance. Add a 1% restaraunt tax to help. Most consumers wouldn't even notice and it could bring what, $500,000 a year in revenue to the city? I would vote for it. All I'm saying is that it doesn't seem like the elected officials are working very hard to improve the citt. Or, at least, they weren't before. Hopefully the success of this viaduct project will spawn more projects that will improve Columbus.

I am one of the many on the southside and have taken up reading on my lunch hour instead of going across town to my home. My break actually seems longer now than it did before. I'm pleasantly surprised. However,I still have to get to and from work like the everyone else. My concern is this. I have a serious cramp in my middle finger from all the people that think the 4 way stop signs say "4 way stop for everyone but you simply cuz you're special" It's not lady like, sure, but it makes me feel better just the same. Anyway, I only do one bird at a time-keep one hand on the wheel at all times, right!?we're all frustrated but i find my day goes a lot smoother if i laugh at the idiocy rather than complain and become part of it. keep smiling, columbus!!!!

I work in Columbus and live in David City, so I would normally cross the viaduct daily during the week, but am now taking an alternate route. In fact, I started taking the alternate route even before the closing, just to get myself into the habit. It's an inconvenience, but if this is the worst thing I have to deal with in my lifetime, then I'll be doing GREAT! At the end of the year, it'll all be a barely visible blip on the radar screen, yet we'll still have a nice new viaduct to show for the City's efforts. I also enjoyed watching the video showing the progress of the tear-down of the viaduct.

WOW I have read over almost every single comment on here, and all it is it whining, crabbing and name calling. Some high school student even had enough sense to tell you how crazy and immature you all are. This is not a crisis or chaos, it is merely an inconvenience. To solve your troubles and problems, how about you leave earlier, STOP with the angry driving techniques that I have experienced while trying to get to Wagner's, and deal with it. What is 20 extra minutes a day going to do to you? WE the people voted against the viaducts being built and twiddled our fingers fighting about it, so this is all on the people of Columbus. Like its been said before, if you have a problem with the city council, run for it. I'd love to see you improve something that the people vote against.

To Dan Armstrong; I couldn't agree with you more! It should be volunteer positions. I can guarantee that 9/10ths of them will all be gone b/c there would be no money in it for them. I run a business in this town; feel the struggles of the economy, as well as working 2 other jobs, and volunteering with 2 local organizations and 2 national ones. Plan ahead and quit bitching; if you have a problems do something to change it. If you think our town is trashy, how about you volunteer as said earlier. Your whining isn’t going to help the situation at all. 3/4ths of you on here whine about all this, when you do nothing to go out and help the community you live in. It almost makes me ashamed to say I live here because of you people. Hopefully this new addition to Columbus will spark change, especially with business fronts and the overall look of the community. I'm sure half of the people crabbing on here are from the south side, where most people seem to be using their yards as storage sheds for anything and everything. CLEAN UP COLUMBUS!!!!

In March there will be several hundred people coming to Columbus for an EMS conference at the New World. Could someone please give us directions from, say Fremont/Omaha. I will advise the ones I know to try to make it there other than during "rush hour" as we don't know the streets etc. and will only serve to slow everyone else down. Do they have the detour(s) marked?

NWD, I didn't whine, crab, or call anyone a name. But thanks for cause.

Unless you have a turd in YOUR pocket, don't imply that WE voted down the viaducts.

A little self-riteousness goes a long way and you may have met your quota for the year and its only February. Surprised you had time to post a comment.

I like having a place to vent. It helps pass the time. I can have a civil conversation about it, but I can also state my opinion here just like you. I enjoyed reading the posts. Especially the pigeon recipe, and the one from IM NEXT who is developing carpul tunnel from an overworked middle finger trying to cope with someone popmus.

Some people lead, some people follow, and some people just stay out of the way. The rest of us like to complain about it just to watch your blood pressure go up.

Get a grip. It's just a blog.

I feel better already.

Ofcourse there are a lot of southsiders complaining. There are more southside folks directly affected by the inconveniences. I completely agreed w/you re: helping the community instead of complaining but then the cramp in my middle finger came back at hearing your uppity generalization of my southside neighbors regarding yards as storage, Mr. Wagner's Lake. There are plenty of "indoor furniture as front porch sittin' funiture" kinda houses on the north side of town as well. That little quip was just uncalled for and in no way relevant. Sure, it's unsightly but have you seen some of the houses on the southside??? NICE!! And some houses on the northside??? TRASHY!!Some folks take care of their property & some don't. Sadly, some can barely afford the roof over their head, let alone the repairs needed to get the car of the front yard. I don't think location has anything to do w/it.

If you're coming in from east of town, I recommend turning LEFT on 3rd AVE (at the Sleep Inn Hotel), then RIGHT on 8th St., LEFT at the 4-way on 12th AVE, and then RIGHT on 6th St. That will take you all the way down to 32nd AVE where you will turn LEFT and be led directly to the New World Inn parking lot! I don't live in Columbus anymore, nor have I had to deal with the viaduct detours, so there could very well be an easier/quicker route for you to take that I am unaware of.

Or if you're coming from south of town there shouldn't be a problem. New World Inn is right on the south edge of Columbus, and there really isn't an easier way for you to get to it.

Nam Man, I asked for specifics, just to see how much you know about economics and American government. That poster was right. You ain't gotta clue.

The Executive branch could not get us into this quandary, and it certainly will not get us out. A little bit of research will enlighten you.

This is like a magic act. Everyone is paying attention to the distraction, while their money is disappearing. Here is a clue for the clueless...Congress.

I have said it before, and now I say it again; late night television is no excuse for ignorance.

To Label Maker and his Band Wagon person,both of who are so knowledgeble, I'm impressed!!!!! But you must have missed the English class and the proper use of Grammar, "Ain't"????? Tsk Tsk

Three lazy posts in a row. I'm not impressed.

I just thought everyone should know that 12 years ago (approx) the department of roads supervisor-who was a family member- said that if ANYONE would have sat under the tracks, and looked up as cars/trucks went by, NOONE would have driven over that viaduct. THAT WAS 12 OR SO YEARS AGO! People do not realize how truly bad it was, and I believe that if it would have really come to light, most people would have voted YES when it came to the new viaducts, therefore they would have already been in place by now. I think the community would have been truly horrified to cross it had they known. I don't know how many times over the past year (I live on the southside) that there would be holes in the viaduct allowing you to see clear to the tracks. Scared me (^_#(%, and I prayed the viaduct would make it to the closing. We should all be thankful that nothing tragic happend, and that the deconstruction seems to be moving wonderfully along. Besides having semi's driving past my house, the detours have even been going better than I could have thought. Let's hope the viaduct gets finished ahead of schedule!!

I say we all go to the Pawnee- have a few Dukes and watch the traffic go by! We all need to just relax, show a little compassion and patience to our fellow drivers and just be safe! Then we will all have a good laugh when this is all over! Cheers!

I think the tearing down the viaduct before having a new one built in a new location, iS STUPID! Seriously, traffic gets backed up like crazy in the morning!!! I live south of the tracks, and in the morning if i'm late for school, i'd drive down and go over the viaduct, no case of getting stopped by a train... now no matter what i do, i have to stop if i'm 3 minutes late getting out my door!

Agree with Marwie, and I think NWD was not blaming EVERYONE for not voting yes on the viaduct, she was stating that the majority of the community voted no. I also don't think that he/she was implying to any certain person on here, especially "amazing" about the crabbing and whining and such. Just read over the posts and you will see that 3/4 of them are doing that, not everyone. Everyone just needs to calm down, quit the name calling, and realize that this is for the better of the town. I to have seen the holes in the bridge and I too was scared to death to drive on that thing! It was needed FAR before we got it, and it is some of our communities fault that it was not done sooner. Lets all speak our minds and put in our two cents and move on. Some people on here are just trying to get people angry by firing back and some people seem to actually care about the community, speak their opinion and move on. How about we all try to care a little more about each other, instead of the name calling and rude punches that are being thrown out on here. And a drink sounds mighty good after reading all this! CHEERS! Moving on now :)

Chelsea,
Easy fix. If you are 3 minutes late everyday, just wake up 3 minutes earlier and you will not be late for school. Sounds like you need more schooling. Good luck with life.

To Chelsea:
It's great to see our young folk are involved in community civics. Here, lean a little closer I have something to whisper to you. DONT HIT THE SNOOZE SO MANY TIMES!!!

Is this all you people have to do is complain!! I have to go down 8 street 4 or 5 times a day. Deal with it. The world has not come to an end because the viaduct is down. Get over it! Find different ways to get around! There is alot more other things going on then to sit an complain about the viaduct!

The discussion of viaducts was discussed way back in the late 60's early 70's but always got shoved off in a corner because of the expense.however when all of the new viaducts are done we should all be happy little drivers,some of you are acting like they took highway 81 and totally ripped it off the map.

Hey everybody. I have a new idea. Why don't we re-route the trains around the city. Or even better yet, let's build an underground subway or an elevated train like Chicago. Man, I should be mayor. Oh yeah!

I have read all of these comments and I must say I am surprised no one has mentioned re-rooting the trains. It would solve many problems. Noise, trainwrecks, pigeons, building viaducks, tunnells and other things. You could make the trains go more south than they are and re-routue them south. Makes sense to me. Maybe take the money for the viaduckt amd pay the train owners move their trains.

Well it has come to this. Let's divide the city into two. The southsiders could secede from Columbus and start their own cow-town. They could call it Whineville or Pansytown. Get over it or get out. We northerners don't want you.

To Marwie and Sue:
Right on, go out and drink and then drive in all of this messed up traffic! You are adding to, not taking away from the problem!

TO Drink and Drive: no where did I say I was going to drink and then drive!!!
I will have a Designated driver! Soul rebel said he would volunteer! He likes watching the trains!! CHOO-CHOO!!

To Bozo,
Of course we all know that trains are only here for our amusement and for hobos to get free transportation, it's like welfare brah. Hello, they don't do anything but look cool. Bozo, you're not helping the cause, you're hurting it man.

I had to take the detour around the viaduct on Monday. It usually took me about eight minutes to get where I was going. Now it only took seven. What's all of the fuss about?

Everyone just needs to be a little patient. This is a much needed step for the future of Columbus. You can't change the past so complaining about what should've/could've happened accomplishes nothing. It is what it is. Deal with it.
Besides, it's not like there is a giant, uncrossable chasm that has split the town in two. You can still cross back and forth across the tracks. Plan accordingly and it will be business as usual.

I agree with Soul Rebel. Trains are really cool, especially when the whistles go WOO WOOOOOOOOOOO! This whole viaduct "problem" will force us to stop and appreciate trains more. I think we take trains for granted sometimes. I cannot hardly believe how dumb some of you people are. And to think I have to share my city with you?

It is started and it will be finished so enuf already with the griping.

The only thing I cannot believe about it (please tell me that is not correct) is that the city did not put up detour signs??? What? Why not?

One does not have to wonder why the semi's are either being detoured through Genoa or they have made a conscious decision to do so. No brainer there if detour signs are not part of the package. Those out of town people who are not familiar with Columbus streets will just have to drive around until they find their own way then I guess and it is all their fault.........

WASTEOID
You don't have to share the city. Just draw a chalk mark around the part that you want and claim it.

It's time we build south of ADM and cross the river to Bellwood. That would save our streets of truck traffic and when the new viaduct needs redone in 30-40 years they will have a better route to travel. Build it already heck ADM will probably pay for most of it. They are building that direction anyway.

Too many semis on 23rd Ave lets start ticketing them.

To "build south", you are absolutely right. As I've said in these blogs before, connect this bridge with the Lost Cause (sorry, I mean Lost Creek)Parkway, and now you have a road that goes somewhere. Look at the BIG picture, those of you responsible for planning. Name it after Arnie Stuthman (I hope I spelled that right), because it seems this bridge across the Platte was his idea, or at least he's been trying to get it built. Good luck Columbus with this whole viaduct thing, it's a hassle but it will work and look great when it's done.

I'm looking into plane tickets from Lincoln to Columbus.

Jovina Nelsey - It is way to $$$ for that...unless Obamma wants to flip the bill for it.

Brian - It is not cheap unless you have a buddy that flies...or your company will pay for it.

To "Stonewall E Lee"

How dare you!! Your comments were downright rude, nasty and disgusting. The ONLY reason I would cecede from the "North" is to not be in the same town with you.

"Whineville" or "Pansytown:? I have yet to here anyone really complaining about this. We are all doing what we have to do. I have not even had to wait for a train. Seems the ones most worried about this, don't even have to deal with it.

Maybe it is time for the Telegram to eliminate the blog on this topic.

I think this blog should keep going. You could build a viaduct out of all of this bitterness.

Lighten up Southside Gal. Stonewall was just looking for a reaction, and you gave him what he wanted.

I agree with you about one thing. This page has gone on too long. This is the longest run on the Telegram I can recall, and the dead horse has been beaten enough.

Geeez!!! Keep repeating after me, "it's only a blog and nothing really matters what is written on this blog". "it's only a blog and nothing really matters what is written on this blog". "it's only a blog and nothing really matters what is written on this blog". "it's only a blog and nothing really matters what is written on this blog". "it's only a blog and nothing really matters what is written on this blog". "it's only a blog and nothing really matters what is written on this blog".

it is a nightmare trying to connect with 8th street to get in line with the other 500 cars going to adm every morning...when the viaduct was open getting in line at the 8th street with a arrow then follow the rest in...now trying to squeeze in is a major hassle.columbus doesnt know what left turn arrows are.

Label Maker

Ditto :-) Your responses still haven't gotten me to do back flips either!!!!! Not impressed