COLUMBUS - Slowly but surely, roadways are beginning to reopen for communities still dealing with the effects of last week's flooding disaster.

Earlier this morning, Highway 81 southbound through Columbus was reopened to one lane, controlled traffic. No semi or bus traffic is being allowed on the roadway, and traffic is being lead by a pilot car through checkpoints supervised by the Nebraska National Guard.

In Schuyler, Highway 15 northbound has been reopened to all traffic, but southbound Highway 15 out of Schuyler remains closed. The roadway is open to all foot and ATV traffic, but no vehicles will be allowed until inspections can be done on the integrity of the road.

Highway 30 eastbound is once again open out to North Bend, but remains closed between North Bend and Fremont. Highway 79 both north and southbound through North Bend is open once again, but water damage has caused some cracks and potholes along some areas of the roadway.

With the heavy damage caused to the portions of these highways that are still closed, it will take some time until things return to normal.