Nebraska DOT seeking input on rail crossing improvement plan

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is developing a Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Plan for grade crossings between Omaha and Lincoln.

NDOT is studying 140 BNSF Railway crossings located along a 64.5-mile stretch of the state in parts of Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Saunders and Lancaster counties. The goal of the plan is to understand how each crossing functions today and recommend improvements that could reduce crashes and improve travel for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, NDOT officials said in a press release.

The first phase of the study includes a survey of residents about which grade crossings in the area may feel unsafe or present challenges during travel. The short survey is available on the project website until Aug. 20.

Input from the survey will be combined with additional data, such as crash history and cost analyses, to pinpoint areas with safety and operational concerns, NDOT officials said. Once the survey closes in August, NDOT will begin developing recommendations; the full plan is anticipated to be complete by spring 2027.