North Highway 75

[BRoss]

Looks like a study on north Highway 75 begun in August and is supposed to be complete October of next year.

Highway 75 Corridor & Freight Strategy

[BRoss]

Virtual public meeting December 14th.

https://mapacog.org/calendar/news/highw ... c-meeting/

[ita]

Looks like a study on north Highway 75 begun in August and is supposed to be complete October of next year.

Highway 75 Corridor & Freight Strategy

Thanks for sharing. I like that 30th street could be made pedestrians and bike friendly. I wonder how that affects the existing i75 cutting through north Omaha. If they intend to divert truck traffic away from 30th Street through miller Park and Florence, it would make the rest of i75 even less valuable as a highway. Garrett's already posted numbers indicating that i75 sees less traffic than coming st. There are a lot of implications with this project.

[Louie]

Very interesting that they included such a large section to the east of 75 in the study.

[Brad]

Very interesting that they included such a large section to the east of 75 in the study.

At one point there was going to be a new bridge over the river and connect in to I680 on the Iowa side. I believe Jim Suttle brought it up when he was on the city council.

[Busguy2010]

If they intend to divert truck traffic away from 30th Street through miller Park and Florence, it would make the rest of i75 even less valuable as a highway.

I don't see how that would make sense.

[Busguy2010]

Very interesting that they included such a large section to the east of 75 in the study.

At one point there was going to be a new bridge over the river and connect in to I680 on the Iowa side. I believe Jim Suttle brought it up when he was on the city council.

I think that's what they already know they want to do. Just studying it to be correct. IMO, that is all they really can do.

[BRoss]

Very interesting that they included such a large section to the east of 75 in the study.

At one point there was going to be a new bridge over the river and connect in to I680 on the Iowa side. I believe Jim Suttle brought it up when he was on the city council.

I think that's what they already know they want to do. Just studying it to be correct. IMO, that is all they really can do.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure their thought is the 16th Street bridge bypass. If the North Freeway is going to exist, it really needs to connect to I-680.

[Busguy2010]

If the North Freeway is going to exist, it really needs to connect to I-680.

I 100% agree with this. I think the North freeway serves its purpose as was intended, but can be improved by taking truck traffic off of 30th north of Sorensen.

I get the sentiment that it never should have been built... But it was, and it only is about 50% effective at serving its purpose. I think it is far more likely an extension will happen than a removal. If this extension doesn't get done, then I'd bet in about 30 years, the North Freeway could be considered for removal. If it does get done, I'm betting it will never be considered for removal.

I think it'll be great to get truck traffic off north 30th. Fort Omaha, Minne Lusa, and Florence are full of wonderful old homes, and they would be all the better if we could eliminate the constant vibration and noise of trucks passing through.

[SunMan]

While I agree with this potential project, there's a sticking point. Iowa would have to partner up to build the road on their side of the river along with ponying up for half of the bridge construction. I really don't see what's in it for them. It's all for Omaha's benefit.

[Busguy2010]

While I agree with this potential project, there's a sticking point. Iowa would have to partner up to build the road on their side of the river along with ponying up for half of the bridge construction. I really don't see what's in it for them. It's all for Omaha's benefit.

I agree that could be an obstacle... But with 75 being a US highway, I would assume it would be a federal project (could be wrong). At least if it were, that would take care of that part.

Another sticking point I see is with the Iowa side being in the flood plain. What with the river seemingly flooding more often -- It was 2011 and some time more recently, maybe 2018 or so -- That I-680 was covered in water and unpassable - I'd assume any new highway 75 route into Iowa would have to be built up or made into a viaduct, lest it be unusable for a long period of time every handful of years. That would increase the cost quite a bit... OR, would they just say "F it", and when it does flood, just temporarily divert traffic back to 30th street? Who knows. But I really would like to see this project come through.

[SunMan]

While I agree with this potential project, there's a sticking point. Iowa would have to partner up to build the road on their side of the river along with ponying up for half of the bridge construction. I really don't see what's in it for them. It's all for Omaha's benefit.

I agree that could be an obstacle... But with 75 being a US highway, I would assume it would be a federal project (could be wrong). At least if it were, that would take care of that part.

Another sticking point I see is with the Iowa side being in the flood plain. What with the river seemingly flooding more often -- It was 2011 and some time more recently, maybe 2018 or so -- That I-680 was covered in water and unpassable - I'd assume any new highway 75 route into Iowa would have to be built up or made into a viaduct, lest it be unusable for a long period of time every handful of years. That would increase the cost quite a bit... OR, would they just say "F it", and when it does flood, just temporarily divert traffic back to 30th street? Who knows. But I really would like to see this project come through.

I would think it would be a federal project but that would pay 80% of the costs, at best. The States would be left to cover the remainder.

I didn't think of the flood plain part of it. That would drive up the costs even further, although right-of-way and sewer costs would be negligible on the Iowa side.

[BRoss]

https://omaha.com/news/local/truck-traf ... 3c034.html

Michael Helgerson, executive director of MAPA, said possible solutions include modifying traffic flow on 30th Street; rebuilding Pershing Drive, which is east of 30th Street, to carry heavier traffic; or building a bridge across the Missouri River to connect North 16th Street in Omaha with Interstate 680 in Iowa.

[bigredmed1]

While I agree with this potential project, there's a sticking point. Iowa would have to partner up to build the road on their side of the river along with ponying up for half of the bridge construction. I really don't see what's in it for them. It's all for Omaha's benefit.

I agree that could be an obstacle... But with 75 being a US highway, I would assume it would be a federal project (could be wrong). At least if it were, that would take care of that part.

Another sticking point I see is with the Iowa side being in the flood plain. What with the river seemingly flooding more often -- It was 2011 and some time more recently, maybe 2018 or so -- That I-680 was covered in water and unpassable - I'd assume any new highway 75 route into Iowa would have to be built up or made into a viaduct, lest it be unusable for a long period of time every handful of years. That would increase the cost quite a bit... OR, would they just say "F it", and when it does flood, just temporarily divert traffic back to 30th street? Who knows. But I really would like to see this project come through.

I would think it would be a federal project but that would pay 80% of the costs, at best. The States would be left to cover the remainder.

I didn't think of the flood plain part of it. That would drive up the costs even further, although right-of-way and sewer costs would be negligible on the Iowa side.

If you build a new bridge across to connect 16th street to 680, you would be a good position to re-engineer 680 to exist above the flood levels (and the engineers would have hard data from 2011 and 2019 to base their plans on). While the earth works and use of more durable road materials (say Roman concrete (;)) to handle submersion and some kind of a dike or diversion plan to prevent the poker chip tossing of 680 by the river) would add to costs, it would also be a good start to re-engineering I29 north so it would be above the waterline in the future as well.

[Brad]

I think the Bridge and the 680 option wouldn't be too bad other than the cost of the bridge. The City of Omaha already owns a lot of the land on the Omaha side where I have drawn the road to the north. Iowa could possible develop around the new interchange depending on their flood plain development laws.

NORTH-FREEWAY.png

[GetUrban]

I think the Bridge and the 680 option wouldn't be too bad other than the cost of the bridge. The City of Omaha already owns a lot of the land on the Omaha side where I have drawn the road to the north. Iowa could possible develop around the new interchange depending on their flood plain development laws.

NORTH-FREEWAY.png

The option you’ve drawn looks pretty good because it doesn’t bisect the industrial area either side of 16th like the 16th street alignment for a new bridge across the river option would do. I’m wondering how much of the current traffic on Hwy 75 continues on to Hwy 75 north to Blair or I-680 west instead of east on I-680. That traffic would have to go back across the river over the I-680 Mormon bridge to continue north or west.

The flood plain is definitely a major problem to overcome, but I suppose it can be done.

[NEDodger]

Brad’s drawing makes sense, and would make for a true “beltway” around the city without having to veer too far out of the way into Iowa. I would have loved this when I worked downtown and lived at 102nd and Fort.

[Busguy2010]

I like that option, but something tells me they won't go to the trouble of making it a freeway. Just typical rural type highway intersections.

[ita]

While I appreciate the smoothness of Brad's suggestion, putting a highway right behind the residential properties east of Florence boulevard would have the same issues with noise and vibrations. Could they make 16th north of Storz a 4 lane road? It looks a bit tight, so maybe the City doesn't have sufficient ROW.

[Brad]

While I appreciate the smoothness of Brad's suggestion, putting a highway right behind the residential properties east of Florence boulevard would have the same issues with noise and vibrations.

I'm sure none of the owners there now would remember, but back in the day, that was a busy rail line behind their houses...

Looking at historical maps and aerials, I wonder why the city acquired that land? There has never been anything there, it went from Agriculture to Soccer. For whatever reason, I figured they inherited an old factory or something and leveled it.

[GetUrban]

While I appreciate the smoothness of Brad's suggestion, putting a highway right behind the residential properties east of Florence boulevard would have the same issues with noise and vibrations.

I'm sure none of the owners there now would remember, but back in the day, that was a busy rail line behind their houses...

Looking at historical maps and aerials, I wonder why the city acquired that land? There has never been anything there, it went from Agriculture to Soccer. For whatever reason, I figured they inherited an old factory or something and leveled it.

The neighborhood to the west is also approx 45’ higher than the (former) RR tracks.

[Busguy2010]

I like that idea of going through the field. Honestly, those residents are already butted up against an industrial area, right next to the garbage truck depot, and the Storz Expressway as is. I wouldn't see a significant noise and vibration increase... But, there is a pretty good ridge right there, which could both make that route difficult, and/or might make the noise and vibration impacts minimal. On top of that, as much as I care most for people who own the properties they live in, they won't have the same pull as the businesses on 30th, so the noise and vibration argument might not work here.

But anyway, I doubt anything that good would happen. I predict they will just make 16th into a four lane highway, bridge over the river, and the intersections will be like what you see at a typical rural highway intersection.

[SunMan]

I think the Bridge and the 680 option wouldn't be too bad other than the cost of the bridge. The City of Omaha already owns a lot of the land on the Omaha side where I have drawn the road to the north. Iowa could possible develop around the new interchange depending on their flood plain development laws.

One alternative would be to move the SB to EB ramp and the WB to NB ramp to Abbott Drive instead of Storz Expressway.

[Uffda]

I think the Bridge and the 680 option wouldn't be too bad other than the cost of the bridge. The City of Omaha already owns a lot of the land on the Omaha side where I have drawn the road to the north. Iowa could possible develop around the new interchange depending on their flood plain development laws.

NORTH-FREEWAY.png

The option you’ve drawn looks pretty good because it doesn’t bisect the industrial area either side of 16th like the 16th street alignment for a new bridge across the river option would do. I’m wondering how much of the current traffic on Hwy 75 continues on to Hwy 75 north to Blair or I-680 west instead of east on I-680. That traffic would have to go back across the river over the I-680 Mormon bridge to continue north or west.

The flood plain is definitely a major problem to overcome, but I suppose it can be done.

Maybe an elevated roadway thru the floodplain area similar to Dodge Expressway.

[ita]

Nebraska lawmakers consider expanding parts of Highway 81, Highway 20

Kelsey Stewart
The committee also held a hearing on LB 999, sponsored by State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, who has proposed building a bridge over the Missouri River to alleviate truck traffic in North Omaha's Florence neighborhood.

The bridge would connect North 16th Street in Omaha with Interstate 680 in Iowa, diverting traffic that now uses 30th Street through Florence.

The area has been the subject of several studies over the years. Wayne said federal grant money is available for projects like this.

[John] Selmer [director of the Transportation Department] also spoke against that proposal, saying it may be better suited for the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency to apply for grants. He also questioned who would take ownership of the bridge, as it would cross the state line.

[almighty_tuna]

That would really be a nice to have project. Re-routing 75 as an actual freeway extension to 680 from Storz@Florence would be icing, but unlikely. At least getting traffic off Florence to more of a purpose-built thoroughfare, away from residential would be a good start. Lots of design hurdles w/the bridge given the flooding.

[Coyote]

City of Omaha gathering feedback on addressing traffic troubles in Florence

[OmahaJaysCU]

Got kmtv sucks. You’ve got a 2 minute story about it but don’t discuss the options under consideration??

[Coyote]

MAPA study options to address traffic for busy North 30th street corridor: 'a lot of it comes down to safety'

The sound of traffic flying by on 30th street is disturbing businesses and residents in the north Omaha community. "Semi-trucks are doing just as fast most of the time as the cars," said Roger Bennett, owner of Rogers Hair Design. For Bennett, speed is a big concern. "I am just worried mostly about my older customers that have a really slow reflex time because it just happens so fast," Bennett said. Bennett also lives there, experiencing the noise and speed, constantly.

MAPA study to address traffic on North 30th Street

The sound of traffic flying by on 30th street is disturbing businesses and residents in the north Omaha community. "Semi-trucks are doing just as fast most of the time as the cars," said Roger Bennett, owner of Rogers Hair Design. For Bennett, speed is a big concern. "I am just worried mostly about my older customers that have a really slow reflex time because it just happens so fast," Bennett said.

[almighty_tuna]

At least an extension of 16th across the MIssouri was listed and presumably on the table. I don't see how a 2+1 configuration for 30th would relieve ay truck traffic though.

Here's an irresponsible take: run the north extension of the streetcar up 30th to the North Omaha TC and shift the truck route over to 16th as an extension of the north freeway to 680. It could be 50/50 whether folks along 30th would want to trade truck traffic for a streetcar.

[Coyote]

MAPA Study of Hwy 75

[ita]

This is a really neat GIS map that compares 1955 pre-I75 and I480 spurs to today. It might crash your browser, but it's a great visual of what the highway spurs destroyed in the name of progress.

https://mapa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Compa ... f764f24147

[thenewguy]

that's remarkable... it's nearly unrecognizable...

[nativeomahan]

This is a really neat GIS map that compares 1955 pre-I75 and I480 spurs to today. It might crash your browser, but it's a great visual of what the highway spurs destroyed in the name of progress.

https://mapa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Compa ... f764f24147

Thank you for sharing. The comparisons are startling to be sure!
The 1955 image ironically reflects the year that my house was constructed, in what was then the far western edge of Omaha. For a good number of years our backyard fence line marked the western boundary of the Omaha city limits.
It’s amazing how much of I-80 in what is now Omaha was just plowed ground at the time it was constructed. I have read of the fierce wrangling in the Nebraska Unicameral (the Unicameral was charged with the responsibility of selecting the route that I-80 would take across Nebraska, all the way from the Missouri River to the Wyoming border) as to the route the freeway would take in the Omaha area. The city of Omaha officials wanted the route to enter Nebraska about where the I-480 bridge is located, and head due west from there. Outstate senators (Scottsbluff Sen. Terry Carpenter in particular) disliked Omaha leaders and successfully got the freeway to be situated several miles to the south, where it is today. Imagine how different Omaha would look if I-80 ran through Dundee!
I am old enough to recall the construction of I-480. It was an enormous construction site with terrible amounts of dust. The string of bridges from Leavenworth Avenue up through Dodge Street were as I recall actually constructed before the earth was dug out from beneath them.
My father’s family lived just west of what is now the Creighton University campus, and their home was taken via eminent domain for what became the I-480/US 75 interchange.

[Dusty]

This is a really neat GIS map that compares 1955 pre-I75 and I480 spurs to today. It might crash your browser, but it's a great visual of what the highway spurs destroyed in the name of progress.

https://mapa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Compa ... f764f24147

Thanks for adding Ita. When I left Omaha, I sold my house on 29th near Hanscom Park. My front yard view was looking directly at 480. It's crazy how different it looks in 1955. I would have had houses across from me and a lot less noise from traffic.

Also, it's unbelievable how many homes were destroyed just North of Dodge where the junction sits now.

[GenX]

This is a really neat GIS map that compares 1955 pre-I75 and I480 spurs to today. It might crash your browser, but it's a great visual of what the highway spurs destroyed in the name of progress.

https://mapa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Compa ... f764f24147

Thanks for adding Ita. When I left Omaha, I sold my house on 29th near Hanscom Park. My front yard view was looking directly at 480. It's crazy how different it looks in 1955. I would have had houses across from me and a lot less noise from traffic.

Also, it's unbelievable how many homes were destroyed just North of Dodge where the junction sits now.

Also shows just how long Lincoln Blvd was before being all but wiped out by 480.

[Coyote]

Omaha's North Freeway to see bridge repairs for 18 months



Omaha's North Freeway Bridge is getting an upgrade.

[Coyote]

Construction projects intermingle on Omaha's North Freeway



More headaches are on the way for Omaha drivers as construction projects intermingle on the North Freeway.