Forum Discussion

RBak's avatar
RBak
Explorer
Apr 06, 2016

I-80 in Nebraska

2 years ago while travelling west on I-80, we experienced a bumpy, washboard type ride west of Kearney, perhaps near Gothenburg. We will be heading west again this spring and wonder if the road surface has improved any since then. We don't know the exact location of the rough pavement - just that it was near Gothenburg primarily in the west bound lanes. Could anyone give updated information regarding the road surface in that area, or from Kearney to North Platte? Thanks for all replies.

Rita and Walt
Buttons the sheltie
Andy and Champ, at the bridge
Nicky, the Tennessee Walker
Roads and Routes
  • Busskipper's avatar
    Busskipper
    Explorer
    Apr 06, 2016
    RBak wrote:
    2 years ago while travelling west on I-80, we experienced a bumpy, washboard type ride west of Kearney, perhaps near Gothenburg. We will be heading west again this spring and wonder if the road surface has improved any since then. We don't know the exact location of the rough pavement - just that it was near Gothenburg primarily in the west bound lanes. Could anyone give updated information regarding the road surface in that area, or from Kearney to North Platte? Thanks for all replies.

    Rita and Walt
    Buttons the sheltie
    Andy and Champ, at the bridge
    Nicky, the Tennessee Walker


    Once was enough for me - we actually pulled off and took the state road that ran parallel - just hated the wash-board - look at the possibility of sliding down to Rt 36 in Kansas and Missouri, just a better road (IMHO) and no trucks.

    Just a thought,
  • CloudDriver's avatar
    CloudDriver
    Explorer
    Apr 06, 2016
    X2 on route 30 (which runs parallel to I80) across Nebraska. We have used that road between Grand Island and Ogalalla several times heading to or coming back from Yellowstone & Grand Teton. A little slower than I80, but a nice road with little traffic. All in all a much more relaxed drive.

    X2 on route 36 across both Missouri and Kansas as an alternate to I70.
  • ForceXXI's avatar
    ForceXXI
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2016
    I live in Grand Island, Ne and have pulled my 5th wheel both directions on I-80. By washboards, are you actually referring to the expansion joints in the concrete? If so, they are there and will always be there. I dont find them too terrible but I may be used to them. I dont remember ever coming across actual washboards. I have found that the inside lane is a tad smoother for some reason but you still have the clickity clack of the expansion joints. Hwy 30 is a nice drive but I actually prefer the interstate when pulling my camper.

    Safe travels...

    Jon
  • SDcampowneroper's avatar
    SDcampowneroper
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2016
    Pulled through on I -80 from Lincoln to Ogallala a month ago. As nice and smooth as you could want.
  • Roadpilot's avatar
    Roadpilot
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2016
    We did I-80 this past summer on our road trip. I don't recall any issues with the road.
  • gwalter's avatar
    gwalter
    Explorer III
    Apr 21, 2016
    We travel I-80 a lot and they have been doing a lot of work to smooth it out and it is much better. West of North Platte has quite a bit of new road to the I-76 cutoff to Denver. I-76 is bad in spots between Julesburg to Brush and then some spots into Denver are not good either. North Platte east is fairly good road but as mentioned there is heavy truck traffic all the way across the state.

About Bucket List Trips

13,487 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 11, 2025