Downtown Seward businesses looking forward to end of phase one of Highway 15 project

SEWARD, Neb. (KLKN) — Businesses in downtown Seward are staying optimistic despite ongoing road construction on Highway 15.

Carla Ketner, the owner of Chapters Books and Gifts, called the project an inconvenience and said she’s looking for solutions.

“We have had costumers, especially older ones, who say they don’t want to come downtown because of it, so we’re offering to deliver things instead,” she said.

Phase one of construction stretches from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad to Highway 34.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that phase one is expected to be completed on May 15.

Phase two will continue north of Highway 34. It’s expected to wrap up before Seward’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

Tyler Stastny, the owner of coffee shop Neutral Grounds, said he’s grateful for customers visiting his business despite the lack of parking due to construction. He said some people even walk three blocks to get there.

But he said he’s looking forward to the final product.

“I do think eventually this is going to be a great thing for not only the community, but for my business as well,” Stastny said.

One driver said this was a much-needed project because the road “has been in bumpy shape” for too long.

“It’s kind of a pain right now and will be throughout the summer, but I think it’s well worth it,” Mike Meyer said.

Ketner said she’s trying to take a positive approach.

“We invited kids to come in and sit and watch the construction and stuff like that,” she said. “Just trying to make the best out of it, but I’m glad it’s almost done downtown.”