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January 14, 2025 - News Release
City, RTSD Receive $66.7 Million Grant for Railroad Crossing Project
Award is largest competitive grant in Lincoln and Lancaster County history
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, with transportation and railroad safety officials, today said that a $66.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration to make improvements at two railroad crossings and intersections near 33rd Street and Cornhusker Highway will improve safety, reduce traffic delays, and enhance connectivity for Lincoln residents.
“With this historic grant, the largest competitive grant we’ve received as a City, we will improve safety, reduce traffic delays, and enhance transportation connections for Lincoln drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. This significant award will cover over half of the total estimated cost of the project,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said.
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway along Cornhusker Highway currently carries an estimated 48 trains daily on the double-track mainline railroad that crosses North 33rd Street and Adams Street. Traffic is blocked at each railroad crossing at least 3 1/2 hours per day, and over the last 37 years, there have been 20 crashes with six fatalities and three injuries.
Joining Mayor at the news conference were:
- Liz Elliott, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director
- Vicki Kramer, Nebraska Department of Transportation Director (NDOT)
- Roger Figard, Railroad Transportation Safety District (RTSD) Executive Director
- Deb Schorr, District Director for Congressman Mike Flood and former RTSD Board member
- Jeff Davis, BNSF State Government Affairs Director
- James Michael Bowers, City Council member
- Ray Ringlein, Outreach Director for Senator Deb Fischer
The proposed 33rd Street and Cornhusker Highway Intersection Improvement Project would build a new bridge over the rail corridor along Cornhusker Highway to eliminate the railroad crossings at North 33rd Street and Adams Street. Elliott said the project is currently in the planning, environmental analysis and preliminary engineering phase, which is scheduled to end in 2027. Construction is expected to begin in 2028, with an opening date estimated for late 2031.
Goals for the railroad crossing and intersection project include:
- Improve safety by eliminating or reducing the conflict points between trains, vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists
- Reduce delay for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists crossing the rail corridor
- Make accommodations for existing and future traffic to reduce congestion along roadways crossing the rail corridor
- Improve mobility across the rail corridor in north Lincoln
- Improve multi-modal connectivity in north Lincoln for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and bus transit
Elliott thanked the local and state partners for their financial contributions to the project and reminded residents that the City’s portion of funding is generated by the Lincoln on the Move quarter-cent sales tax. The federal grant covers 58.2% of the total cost of the $120 million project. Lincoln on the Move, RTSD, BNSF, and NDOT will contribute nearly $48 million to the project. RTSD has already invested $5.2 million in planning, preliminary design, environmental approval and community engagement.
“This project is about creating a safer, more connected, and more vibrant community for all of us,” Elliott said.
Figard said that the two roundabouts, viaduct, and sidewalk and trail improvements included in the proposed project will benefit commuters, businesses, and Lincoln’s broader transportation network.
“This project isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about making Lincoln and Lancaster County safer, more connected, and more efficient for everyone,” Figard said. “We can confidently say this project will save lives and prevent multiple points of conflict for potential crashes.”
Kramer said the vision and commitment by City, State, and Federal partners over many years have been crucial to moving the 33rd Street and Cornhusker Highway Intersection Improvement Project move forward.
“Projects of this complexity don’t happen without strong partnerships. We look forward to working closely with Director Elliott and the rest of the stakeholders to make sure this project is successful and delivered on time and on schedule,” Kramer said.
Schorr said Senator Fischer and Congressman Flood were strong advocates of the project knowing how transformative it would be for Lincoln and Lancaster County.
“Today marks a historic moment for Lincoln and Lancaster County and what can be accomplished when we work together,” Schorr said.
“Eliminating the two at-grade crossings will reduce traffic congestion and vehicle delays – and increase response times from our first responders,” Bowers said. “This is a great example of what can be achieved working in partnership and maximizing financial resources to address a real problem.”
Visit the 33rd and Cornhusker Improvement Project for more information.
Next May 21, 2021
May 21, 2021 - Project Update
Since December, the N. 33rd and Cornhusker project has continued to move forward through the Planning, Environmental Analysis and Preliminary Engineering phase. The 60% plans have been submitted for review by the Railroad Transportation Safety District (RTSD) and will be reviewed by the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) in the coming months. The draft environmental document is also nearing completion.
The mosaic below contains the current project. Modifications from the previous project design were made in coordination with the Deadmans Run Project. These modifications to the road, trail, and bridges are generally isolated to the area of the project south of the new 33rd and Adams intersection.
Download Alternative Map (pdf)
Between now and the end of the year, the following next steps are expected:
- Submittal of the draft environmental document for review by the RTSD, NDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). A public hearing for the draft environmental document is anticipated in early 2022;
- Continued review of impacts to utilities and adjacent properties in the project area;
- Continued coordination with other projects in the area, including:
Previous Jan. 14, 2025
Next Dec. 11, 2020
December 11, 2020 - Project Update
On December 7, 2020, the project team presented an update on the 33rd & Cornhusker project to the Railroad Transportation Safety District (RTSD) board.
RTSD Project Alternative
Considering many constraints and feedback from community leaders, stakeholders and the public, the project team has recommended to leave the crossing at N. 44th Street open to pedestrians and vehicles. The crossing will continue to function as it does today. This decision means there is no longer a need for a pedestrian overpass or underpass at Cornhusker Highway or the need for a new Fremont Street “connector” from N. 44th to N. 48th streets. Although the N. 44th Street at-grade crossing will not be closed with the 33rd & Cornhusker project, the improvement of this crossing will remain a future consideration for the RTSD as part of their mission to improve safety at railroad crossings.
The design and environmental study for the current RTSD project is progressing in coordination with the Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project. We anticipate the public hearing on the Draft Environmental Assessment in Fall 2021.
Subarea Plan
Separate from the RTSD project, the Subarea Plan was passed unanimously by the Lincoln Lancaster County Planning Commission on December 2, 2020. The Subarea Plan is scheduled for City Council action on December 21, 2020.
*Updated 12/21/20: On December 21, 2020, the Lincoln City Council voted unanimously to approve the adoption of the Subarea Plan as an amendment to the 2040 Lincoln-Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan.
Download Alternative Map (pdf)
Previous May 21, 2021
Next Jun. 11, 2020
June 11, 2020 - Project Update
In December 2019, the RTSD board voted to move forward with Alternative Modified PEL C as their preliminary preferred transportation alternative. In recent months, the project team has been preparing for an in-person public information meeting originally planned for this month to share information about the alternative, answer questions and accept feedback. However, given the current community health situation, this update is being provided virtually as we are not able to gather in person.
The transportation alternative below is still preliminary at this stage and is similar to what was presented at the last public meeting in June 2019. This alternative features:
- The closure and removal of the three at-grade railroad crossings at N. 33rd Street, N. 35th/Adams Street, and N. 44th Street
- New roadway connection from N. 44th Street to N. 48th Street at Fremont Street
- Grade-separated pedestrian crossing near N. 44th Street
- Widening of Cornhusker Highway to six lanes in the project area
- Realignment of N. 33rd Street to intersect with Cornhusker Highway at approximately N. 31st Street, including an overpass over the BNSF Railroad
- Connecting Adams Street to the new alignment of N. 33rd Street overpass of the BNSF Railroad
Download Alternative Modified PEL C (pdf)
You may notice a few changes since the last time this alternative was presented:
- Roundabouts at N. 33rd Street and Adams Street, and N. 33rd Street and Huntington Avenue have been added
- The realigned N. 33rd Street intersects with Cornhusker Highway to better line up with N. 31st Street
- The realigned Adams Street has shifted further north closer to the railroad tracks
This alternative continues to be studied for impacts to the social, economic and natural environment as part of an Environmental Assessment (EA). A public hearing for the draft EA is anticipated in late spring / early summer 2021. The project is still on schedule to begin construction in 2026, depending on funding priorities and constraints.
We feel it is important to keep the public informed of the project status as we continue to move forward with this important project for Northeast Lincoln. If you have any questions or comments about the proposed project, please contact us.
Previous Dec. 11, 2020
Next Dec. 2, 2019 – RTSD Board Meeting
December 2, 2019 - Project Update at RTSD Board Meeting
On December 2, 2019, the Railroad Transportation Safety District (RTSD) board took action on a resolution to support the decision made by the Federal Highway Administration and Nebraska Department of Transportation to move forward with an Environmental Assessment (EA) with Modified PEL C as the preliminary preferred alternative (see below).
The alternative is still conceptual at this stage, however the NEPA (environmental) designation as an EA allows the alternative to move along in the environmental investigation which may tweak the design.
The next public open house for the project is anticipated in June 2020.
Download Alternative Modified PEL C (pdf)
Previous Jun. 11, 2020
Next Sep. 10, 2019 – RTSD Board Meeting
September 10, 2019 - Project Update at RTSD Board Meeting
The Railroad Transportation Safety District (RTSD) Board meeting was held September 10, 2019 and an update of the N. 33rd & Cornhusker project was given.
Since the last Board meeting June 3, 2019, a public meeting was held on June 27 at the Center for People in Need and had almost 200 people in attendance. After review of public and agency comments and technical data pertaining to environmental resources (social, economic, and natural environment), Modified PEL C has been selected as the proposed preliminary preferred alternative. It’s important to note that although this alternative is selected as the proposed preliminary preferred alternative, all seven alternatives as presented at the June 27 open house are still under consideration. Also note that the alternative is conceptual at this stage and further design will be completed as the project progresses.
The RTSD is working with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to officially begin the NEPA (environmental) phase. Once the NEPA class of action is assigned, an analysis and screening will occur on the seven remaining alternatives. Those alternatives which are determined to be unreasonable or do not pass screening criteria would be dismissed from further consideration.
The next public open house for the project is anticipated in early 2020.
Download Alternative Modified PEL C (pdf)
Previous Dec. 2, 2019 – RTSD Board Meeting
Next Jul. 10, 2019
July 10, 2019 - Project Update
In March 2019, approval of the Subarea Plan was tabled by Lincoln City Council until a transportation alternative is selected. Currently, there are eight transportation alternatives being examined:
- No Action (or “do nothing”)
- Four alternatives currently recommended
- Alternative 1B
- Alternative 1D
- Alternative 1E
- Alternative Modified PEL C
- Three alternatives currently not recommended as reasonable based on cost
- Alternative 12B
- Alternative 14
- Alternative 15A
Since March, the project team has been gathering additional information about the alternatives and preparing for the public meeting that was held Thursday, June 27, 2019. The purpose of the public meeting was to gather public and agency input on the project’s purpose and need, and remaining alternatives. The information presented at the public meeting is available here. The public comment period is open until Friday, July 12.
The project team will use the public and agency input, known environmental impacts, and transportation needs of the project to select a transportation alternative(s) to move into the next phase of the project which includes more detailed environmental examination. The class of environmental document is scheduled to be determined by the fall of 2019. The selection of one or more transportation alternatives to study further will depend on the class of environmental document that will be required. The goal is to determine the preferred transportation alternative as soon as practical. An additional public meeting would be held to share the preferred alternative(s), currently anticipated to be winter 2019/2020.
Once the preferred transportation alternative(s) is known, the Subarea Plan would be amended if necessary to include the preferred transportation alternative and would move forward through the approval process.
Previous Sep. 10, 2019 – RTSD Board Meeting
Next Mar. 1, 2019 – Evaluation Process to Continue for N. 33rd and Cornhusker Area Transportation Project
March 1, 2019 - Evaluation Process to Continue for N. 33rd and Cornhusker Area Transportation Project
Date: March 1, 2019
For More Information Contact: David Cary, Planning Director, 402-444-7491; Roger Figard, RTSD Executive Director, 402-525-1520
The City and the Railroad Transportation Safety District (RTSD) are planning two public meetings for spring and summer to discuss the roadway alignments for the RTSD transportation project in the North 33rd Street and Cornhusker Highway area. When determined, the meeting dates will be provided on the project website.
The decision to continue the evaluation process follows a request by the City Council that the RTSD review its four project transportation alternatives and provide a single preferred option for the North 33rd and Cornhusker Highway area. Once the preferred roadway alignment is selected, it will be reflected in the City's Subarea Plan and any changes in the Subarea Plan will be shared with the public and the Subarea Plan will be brought forward to the City Council for comment and approval.
The spring meeting will highlight previous transportation concepts and gather public feedback on each of the four alternatives and the impacts they each have on environmental, social economic and ecological components.
The summer meeting will share the preferred alternative with the public and gather comments on all project aspects, such as safety, congestion and traffic delay, and improvement of mobility for motor vehicles, public transit, bicycles and pedestrians in the project area.
Individual meetings with property and business owners are also planned for the next six months.
After the preferred alignment is selected, the RTSD project will proceed into detailed environmental investigations under the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and preliminary engineering design activities. Once NEPA and preliminary engineering is complete, the final design documents will be prepared, right-of-way will be appraised and negotiated, and the project can then be constructed.
Additional information including the Planning Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study, Draft Subarea Plan, Draft Corridor Plan, the Final Four alternatives, as well as information presented at all the public meetings is included on the project website.
For more information or if you have questions or comments regarding the RTSD transportation project, please contact Roger Figard, RTSD Executive Director, at 402-525-5620 or rfigard@lincoln.ne.gov or Kris Humphrey, RTSD Project Manager, at 402-326-1176 or khumphrey@lincoln.ne.gov.
If you have questions or comments regarding the City's N. 33rd and Cornhusker Subarea Plan project, please contact Paul Barnes, Long Range Planning Manager, at 402-441-6372 or pbarnes@lincoln.ne.gov.
Previous Jul. 10, 2019
Next Jan. 28, 2019 – City Council Briefing
January 9, 2019 - Planning Commission Briefing
The Lancaster County Planning Commission was briefed on the project on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Previous Jan. 28, 2019 – City Council Briefing
Next Sep. 22, 2019 – RTSD Board Meeting
September 11, 2018 - Project Update at RTSD Board Meeting
The RTSD Board held their quarterly meeting Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Project manager Kris Humphrey updated the Board on the status of the project. You can watch a recording of the meeting on the City’s YouTube Channel.
You can also check out Kris’s presentation to the Board below.
Presentation (pdf)
Previous Jan. 9, 2019 – Planning Commission Briefing