Things are moving closer to improvements on the Sparks River road in Northeast Cherry County. The project would replace the current 3.3 miles stretch of gravel with an asphalt surface. The new surface would begin at Sparks and proceed south to the current Russell Osburn scenic overlook. The scenic overlook would be moved north approximately 1,800 feet to avoid congestion.
Approximately four million dollars, of federal highway money, was allocated in 2004 for this project. Construction could be done in late 2019, but there has been consensus not have it under contruction during the busy tourist season on the river.
There are several entities involved including the Niobrara Council, Cherry County Commissioners, Federal Highway Administration and National Park Service.