The city of Sidney and the state have several projects under way as they try to get as much as possible done before late fall and winter days arrive.

In particular, roads have been major projects. Contractor Agri-Industries has been working to replace almost century-old, cast iron water mains on Fourth Street S.W., the block next to Sidney Middle School.

“We wanted to get in and out of that area before redoing Central,” Sidney public works director Terry Meldahl said. Following the completion of that section, workers will move across Central Avenue to Fourth Street S.E. to do four blocks. Meldahl said the contractor may wait until spring to finish it. Two other projects include the federal stimulus-funded project on 22nd Avenue N.W., which is currently in progress. The $96,000 project requires the street to be overlaid. The second road project is Special Improvement District 104, which provides street paving and new curb and gutter for the Wilkinson Subdivision. Meldahl expects it to be complete next spring. Franz Construction was awarded the bid.

When it comes to the diesel fuel leak in east Sidney, Meldahl says there is little update in the progression to replace the sewer lines. “Prognosis isn’t good for getting it done this fall,” he said. Work may be stopped because of the sugar beet harvest. A meeting with Department of Environmental Quality, railroad and city officials has yet to be held. Meldahl said it appears the project will be delayed until spring, though it is up to the contractor, Veit Construction Company, Minnesota.

The final city project is the replacement of a filter at the water treatment facility. Meldahl expects the filter to be delivered in October with installation in November.

Fairview has also seen its share of construction as drains are being installed to prevent the concrete walls from caving in. Work was contracted out to Franz Construction to build “valley gutters” that let water flow across the street. Crews have blocked off half the road at a time.

“We need to keep traffic going,” Department of Transporation district administrator Ray Mengel said.

The month-long project is expected to be complete by the end of September, weather permitting. Mengel said the project is 100 percent funded by state gas-tax funds and is part of a rehab project maintained by the state.

reporter@sidneyherald.com