City of Lincoln and RTSD Receive $66.7MM Grant
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Operation Lifesaver
LINCOLN, Neb. - The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $66.7 million grant that will go toward improving two railroad crossings and intersections in Lincoln, Nebraska.
These are located near 33rd Street and Cornhusker Highway, according to the release. BNSF carries almost 50 trains daily on the double-track mainline along Cornhusker Highway. The project will build a new bridge over the rail corridor to eliminate crossings at North 33rd Street and Adams Street. Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director Liz Elliott stated the project is in the planning, environmental analysis and preliminary engineering phase until 2027. In 2028, construction is slated to begin with service estimated to open in 2031.
Along with eliminating the rail crossings, the project will improve safety by reducing “conflict points between trains, vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.” Additionally, once completed, the project will reduce delays and improve mobility.
Mayor Gaylor Baird said, “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.”
Director Elliott thanked local partners for financial contributions to the project. A portion of the funding comes from the Lincoln on the Move quarter-cent sales tax. The $66.7 million grant will cover almost 60% of the $120 million project. RTSD (Railroad Transportation Safety District), BNSF, and NDOT will contribute close to $48 million. To date, “RTSD has already invested $5.2 million in planning, preliminary design, environmental approval and community engagement.”
“Eliminating the two at-grade crossings will reduce traffic congestion and vehicle delays – and increase response times from our first responders,” James Michael Bowers, City Council member, said. “This is a great example of what can be achieved working in partnership and maximizing financial resources to address a real problem.”
