Nebraska Department of Transporation Update

Work will begin on US-26, from Mitchell to Scottsbluff

Weather permitting, work will begin April 13, 2026 on U.S. Highway (US-26), from reference post 13.25 to reference post 21.25, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Simon Contractors, Inc., from Cheyenne, Wyo., is the contractor for this project. Work includes installing ADA ramps at various locations in the town of Mitchell, pavement repair and paving new asphaltic concrete between Mitchell  and Scottsbluff. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is Oct. 2026.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and put phones down.

Work will begin in District 5 Sidemount DMS Boards

Weather permitting, work will begin April 13 on the District 5 Sidemount DMS Boards project, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Watts Electric Company, of Waverly, is the contractor for this project. Work includes installing digital message boards and automated gates at various locations in the panhandle of Nebraska. Traffic willbe maintained with shoulder closures. Anticipated completion is Oct. 2026.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and put phones down.

Work will begin on N-250, north of Lakeside

Weather permitting, work will begin April 13 on Nebraska Highway 250 (N-250), from reference post 0.2 to reference post 13.38, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.  Work will also resume south of Smith Lake, from reference post 13.38 to reference post 26.10.

Werner Construction, of Hastings, is the contractor for both projects. Work includes asphalt paving, culvert extensions, curb and gutter, flumes, and grading and seeding. Traffic will be maintained with lane restrictions and a pilot car with flaggers. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is Nov. 2026.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and put phones down.

NDOT, UNO Conducting Community Stakeholders Survey and Public Meetings for Unmet Needs of Rural Intercity Bus Service

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is partnering with the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO CPAR) to conduct an Intercity Bus Service Study of the intercity bus services available in Nebraska.

As part of the Study, NDOT is requesting input from stakeholders and community members with an interest in the state’s intercity bus public transportation services by utilizing the survey link provided below. NDOT administers the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA’s) Section 5311(f) funding for rural intercity bus services in Nebraska, and this survey is an important element of the consultation process required under this program. A major focus of this effort is to determine the need for state/federal assistance to maintain current services or provide expanded connections from rural areas to connect with the national intercity bus network. By using these services many Nebraska residents can reach key connecting points for more distant travel.

Comments can be submitted via the survey at ndot.info/656469. Answers to the survey are confidential and will only be shared in the aggregate form. Comments must be submitted by April 30, 2026.

In addition to the survey, there will be two public meetings scheduled via Zoom to gather input. The first meeting will be on Tuesday, April 21 from 1-2 p.m. To join the meeting, visit unomaha.zoom.us/j/95425601695 and enter meeting ID 954 2560 1695. The meeting can also be joined via one tap mobile at +17193594580,,95425601695# US or +12532050468,,95425601695# US.

The second meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 29 from 9-10 a.m. To join the meeting, visit unomaha.zoom.us/j/92503332015 and enter meeting ID 925 0333 2015. The meeting can also be joined via one tap mobile at +16694449171,,92503332015# US or +16699006833,,92503332015# US.

Input from the meetings will be used by NDOT as it considers using federal funds to maintain the existing intercity services or provide additional intercity services.

For questions about the survey, please contact Clay Stevens, UNO Center for Public Affairs Research, at claystevens@unomaha.edu. For questions about the consultation process or the intercity bus program, contact Sarah Soula at NDOT at sarah.soula@nebraska.gov or 402-479-4871.

Appropriate provisions for the hearing and visually challenged or persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) will be made if NDOT is notified by April 8, 2026.  For those without internet access, information may be obtained at NDOT Headquarters, 1500 Nebraska Parkway, Lincoln, NE 68502 or by contacting Sarah Soula, NDOT Transit Manager, at 402-479-4871 or sarah.soula@nebraska.gov.

For more information visit ndot.info/intercityf3e2cc.