BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 October 26, Saturday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
When Blair’s bypass opened in September, Washington County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brad Earley urged patience: “Patience is key. Rome wasn’t built in a day. it’s going to take time for the trucks to realize that there is an easier more direct path to get to where they’re going.”
Now, six weeks later, the community continues to evaluate this significant infrastructure project, with discussions revealing both persistent concerns and emerging support.
Usage Patterns: Expectations vs. Reality
In September, City Administrator Rod Storm reported that “anywhere from 3000 to 3600 semis roll through Washington Street on any given day.” Recent observations suggest little change in this pattern. Resident Christy Carnes reported counting “145 semis in 20 minutes” on Main Street, with the observation that “most were going north.”
The bypass’s design continues to generate substantial debate. “It’s not a bypass,” explains Ron Keithley. “It’s listed as an alternative route in the GPS truck route… A bypass, Bypasses a city. With this street you have to make two more turns, one that is uncontrolled and the other cars try to pass you on the right. Then Climb a hill and go down a hill. It’s a joke for most trucks.”
Administrative Progress
The city is actively working to address these concerns. “The city officially requested to the Nebraska Department of Transportation to change the route,” reports Connie Green. “Additionally, the city has talked with some of the larger trucking companies in the area to advise their drivers to use the new route.”
Safety: A Continuing Priority
September’s article highlighted the tragic 2019 death of Jaycoby Estrada as a catalyst for the bypass project. Green, who witnessed that incident, reminds the community why safety remains crucial: “I was right at the intersection a few years ago when that boy on a bicycle was hit by a truck and died. The driver didn’t even know he’d hit the kid.”
New safety concerns have emerged as winter approaches. “When it gets icy and sliding through the intersection,” warns resident Micheal Ohle. Some community members have proposed solutions. “Couldn’t they put some of those anti-sliding spray or cuts into the cement, to help sliding,” suggests Sue Nordquist-Brummett. “And not go SOO fast down the Hill if snowing!”
Signs of Success
Despite ongoing debates, some regular users report significant benefits. “I know one thing, that’s the best damn thing that’s happened there in a long time,” shares Jesse Moore. “I use it almost daily, nice an smooth, no stop lights… my truck appreciates not having to stop an go and the comfort of it being a new smooth road.”
Looking Ahead
The discussion has evolved to include broader infrastructure needs. “No semis are going to come from the north and go south out of town to go on the bypass,” notes Matt Saunders. “If they want that they need a north bypass.”
This observation speaks to the complexity of changing established traffic patterns. As resident Denise Work noted, there’s been a shift in understanding: “The moment you realize that the bypass has a different intent than making it easier to go from Calhoun to Walmart.”
City Council Member Jim Sandvold’s September statement that the bypass aimed “to remove 25% of the traffic from Washington St” provides a benchmark for measuring success. Whether this target will be met likely depends on several factors still in progress:
- Completion of official route designation changes with NDOT
- Installation of additional signage
- Updates to GPS systems
- Resolution of winter safety concerns
- Potential development of a north bypass
As Blair approaches its first winter with the new bypass, the community’s engagement reflects both the project’s importance and the complexity of adapting long-established traffic patterns. The conversation has evolved from whether the bypass will work to how to make it work better – perhaps the most significant shift since September’s opening.
