The Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project extends from 48th Street downstream to Cornhusker Highway and is designed to reduce flooding risks along Deadmans Run. The project will provide flood protection for properties near North 33rd Street, North 48th Street, Leighton Avenue, and Huntington Avenue, and is expected to remove an estimated 480 homes, businesses, and other structures from the 1% annual chance (100-year FEMA) floodplain.
The project is a joint effort between the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD) and the City of Lincoln, which are partnering equally on all aspects.
Detention Basins
- As part of the project, detention basins will be constructed at the following locations:
- LPSNRD land near 56th Street
- UNL East Campus land near 48th Street
- Detention basins temporarily hold stormwater runoff and help reduce flood waters in the channel.
- Detention basins help manage food risk and reduce the extent of channel widening and bridge replacements needed.
Widening of Deadmans Run Channel
- The current channel contains the 25-year flood in most locations.
- The channel will be widened in certain locations between the railroad corridor near 33rd Street, and 48th Street in order to contain the 100-year flood.
- Widened channel banks would incorporate armoring, native vegetation and grasses.
New Bridge at 33rd Street
The Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project is planned in two phases, with construction occurring at different times.
View Phase Map (, 0B)
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Phase 1 began in summer 2026 and includes construction of a detention basin on NRD-owned land near 56th Street.
View Phase 1 Detail Map (, 0B)
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Phase 2 is currently anticipated for 2027–2028. This phase will include construction of a detention basin on UNL property near 48th Street, widening the Deadmans Run channel from approximately 48th Street to the railroad corridor, and removal of the 33rd Street culvert.
View Phase 2 Detail Map (, 0B)
The estimate of the timeline is below for Phase 1 and Phase 2 construction:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 1 includes design in spring 2026 followed by construction from summer through winter 2026. Phase 2 includes design in spring 2026, right-of-way acquisition in summer 2026, and construction beginning after FEMA approval, continuing through 2028.
History
In 2015, the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) began the Deadmans Run Project Feasibility Study. Four public meetings were held 2015-2018.
On August 9, 2018, the Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment
were approved by USACE.
In 2019, the USACE began the Design and Implementation Phase of the project.
In 2019-2020, design was delayed by the USACE due to recovery efforts for the flood of 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, the detention basin was deemed not necessary upon completion of the hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
In 2024, the City and NRD announced an updated plan. In the updated plan, the City and NRD are working with two local engineering firms to complete the project and reduce costs. USACE is no longer involved.
In 2026, Phase 1 construction began.
Original Plan (prior to 2024)
The Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project was originally led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under the authority of Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of 1948. The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD) was the principle non-federal sponsor.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Study Information
Project Components
The original plan had a different channel widening configuration and the addition of:
- Concrete Flume at Railroad Bridges
- A concrete flume would be placed under the existing BNSF and OL&B Railroad bridges.
- The smooth concrete surface would allow more water to pass underneath the railroad bridge.
- The current bridges would remain in place.
- 38th Street Bridge Replacement
- The new bridge would be similar in size to the existing bridge (approximately 130 feet long by 28 feet wide).
- The bottom portion of the bridge would be raised to allow for 100-year flood flows.
- The new bridge would meet current local design criteria.
- 48th Street Bridge Replacement
- The new bridge would be approximately 90 feet long by 71 feet wide with proposed pedestrian sidewalks on both sides.
- Bridge approaches would be raised.
- The wider bridge footprint may require relocation of an existing restaurant.
- The new bridge would allow for 100-year flood flows.
- New Access Road Off State Fair Park Drive and Re-configuration of Grain Elevator Site
- State Fair Park Drive access road would be relocated farther south to accommodate the wider channel and address current safety concerns and traffic delays.
- A larger culvert would be placed under the new access road to allow for increased water flow.
Project Funding
Funding was generally 65% Federal and 35% Local.
More Information
U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Project Information
Other projects planned in the vicinity: