Werner Construction Co. of Hastings, NE, has completed a $4.2-million contract for 9.6 kilometers (6 mi.) of various road work on Highway 2 near Cairo, NE.

Werner was selected by the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) to oversee culvert install, bridge grading and install, storm sewer install, asphalt paving, concrete paving and lighting.

According to Mark Hoffman, Werner project manager, crews used Caterpillar pavers and rollers, purchased from Nebraska Machinery in Doniphan, NE.

For the 8.8 kilometers (5.5 mi.) of asphalt surfacing, Werner used 48,600 metric tons (54,000 tons) of asphalt hot mix. For the 0.8 kilometers (0.5 mi.) of concrete paving in Cairo, it used 182,400 cubic meters (240,000 cu. yds.) of concrete. In addition, 174,800 cubic yards (230,000 cu. yds.) of dirt was moved during grading.

Work was done in phases, with through traffic following marked detours.

During the first phase, which began April 5, 1999, Werner installed a new bridge and a three box culvert west of Cairo. Phase two included concrete pavement and storm sewer work at junction of Highways 2 and 11.

Grading on the job continued during the construction in Cairo. Phase three consisted of the asphalt paving west of Cairo. Hoffman said the job was completed as scheduled in November, just 120 working days from the start date.

According to Hoffman, the most challenging part of the job was a half-mile section of concrete work in Cairo. That phase of work done in town needed to be done in a limited number of days. Werner was given an incentive to meet an opening date and did so. The phase required a great deal of coordination with city officials. “There was some utility relocation done in the city of Cairo that had to be worked and scheduled around,” Hoffman said.

Another challenge associated with the work in Cairo was keeping businesses and residents happy. To do so, Werner held partnering meetings every week during construction of that portion of the project.

According to Hoffman, the wet spring also held some things up. The bridge and triple box culvert were the portions of the job most affected by the weather. Hoffman said the bridge and culvert had to be finished before other work, such as grading could continue. “It could’ve gone faster if it was drier,” he said.

During the busiest portion of the job, Hoffman said, Werner often had 20 workers on site. He also credited Todd Paustain, Werner’s general superintendent, with doing a good job.

Nebraska subcontractors used on the project include: Hooker Bros., Grand Island, grading; Dominion Electric, electric; and M.E. Collins Contracting Co. Inc., Wahoo, storm sewer install.

“Overall,” Hoffman said, “I think the city of Cairo is pleased with the work that was done in Cairo, and they should be; it turned out nice.”

Hoffman added that he thinks the intersection of Highways 2 and 11 in Cairo is now safer than it was before the construction. The intersection was narrowed and lighting was added.

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