Norfolk drivers continuing to navigate East Benjamin construction

NORFOLK, Neb. -- Norfolk streets are no stranger to maintenance. For a few months now, E Benjamin Ave. has been under construction, causing backed up traffic and other issues for people on the road. 

“It is definitely a pain,” citizen Trent Kula said. “I mean, it takes a little longer to get around. And I mean, work you have to leave sooner and coming home takes longer to get home. It's definitely a small inconvenience.”  

The city of Norfolk has been working with design teams to create a plan for much needed improvements to Benjamin Ave. The plans to expand the road go east to west from First to 13th street. 

“I notice traffic is backed up more, especially down there by the stop light,” Kula said. “Instead of four lanes now you’re down to just two lanes and it backs it up.” 

According to Norfolkne.gov: “Over time, the pavement along this corridor has deteriorated and traffic studies have shown that this stretch of roadway has a high crash rate due to the lack of available turn lanes and the abundance of access points.”

“Anytime you disrupt the flow of traffic, responses are slower, getting commutes are slower coming to and from work, " Norfolk Chief of Police Don Miller said. “Our officers have to occasionally respond to accidents. If you disrupt the flow of traffic, you’re going to have a couple more accidents. That is the nature of it.” 

Many business owners around the area claim that the construction has been hard on business. Not only does it prevent routes to their stores, but it also makes parking difficult. 

“With anytime we have construction, again, that’s kinda a common sense thing,” Chief Miller said. “If you disrupt the normal flow it is going to affect their businesses. I would encourage people despite the construction, if there is a business up there that you are at normally frequently, give them your business because they do hurt.”

The project began on Apr. 4, 2022 and is scheduled to be complete by November, 2023.

While citizens patiently wait for the new road to open up, continue to expect the two-lane street for at least another year.