Omaha transportation's $7.4B future

[ita]

ProRail Nebraska - November 2021 - Minutes

Our first presentation was by John Selmer, Director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation. He comes to Nebraska after 32 years at the Iowa Department of Transportation. He talked about his role in designing the redevelopment of the interstate highway interchanges in Council Bluffs.

He noted that railroads “never come up in conversation with Nebraska senators.”

He pointed out that in his experience the only interaction the Nebraska Department of Transportation has with the railroads is generally related to crossing issues.

The DOT’s focus in rural Nebraska is making current 2-lane highways 4 – lane roads. He noted that the DOT is really still a highway department. He noted that the Department’s interest and finances are geared toward highways.

He engaged those in attendance in conversation during which time the need for an updated state rail plan was noted. Mr. Selmer agreed that a state rail plan is needed. Matt Roque offered PRN’s help to Mr. Selmer in beginning that task.

[BRoss]

I saw that NDOT is now starting to plan some of the MTIS projects.

https://dot.nebraska.gov/projects/publications/mtis/



2025

• I-80 WB, Q St. – Giles Road
• I-480 Bridges, Woolworth – St. Marys Ave.
• I-80 and 186th Diverging Diamond Interchange

2026

• N-50 Ramp
• Pacific – Dodge

2027

• 50th – I-480

There is also a public meeting on January 5th about Kennedy Freeway rebuilding/expansion in 2032 and the removal of the 24th Street ramps and rebuilding of the bridge in 2042.

[skinzfan23]

I have been saying this for years, but they really need to prioritize reconstructing Hwy 75. It is such a mess. The road and bridges are in horrible shape and it is probably the 3rd busiest main road in the metro behind I-80 and 680. There should be at least 3 lanes in each direction all the way south to at least Cornhusker if not Hwy 370. With the amount of homes being built in southern Sarpy county, the number of cars using this road everyday is only going to increase.

[Busguy2010]

I have been saying this for years, but they really need to prioritize reconstructing Hwy 75. It is such a mess. The road and bridges are in horrible shape and it is probably the 3rd busiest main road in the metro behind I-80 and 680. There should be at least 3 lanes in each direction all the way south to at least Cornhusker if not Hwy 370. With the amount of homes being built in southern Sarpy county, the number of cars using this road everyday is only going to increase.

I totally agree with that. All the way to 370. Heck, why not all the way to Fairview or where Ft Crook veers off?

[Busguy2010]

186th? What the heck for?

[Louie]

186th? What the heck for?

Probably just planning ahead for Gretna's growth which will surely fill that gap soon.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

186th? What the heck for?

The new Dollywood Theme Park we're getting. It'll be next to Vala's along with a European Village mixed use development and Ritz Carlton Resort and Yacht Club. Official announcement to follow in 60-90 days.

[BRoss]

186th? What the heck for?

It's the new interchange that had originally been planned for 180th. It's why they are building the road south of Giles to shift 180th to 192nd.