The cost of a flood reduction project along Deadmans Run will be cut in half under an updated plan from Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) and the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (LPSNRD).
The Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project is expected to remove an estimated 480 homes, businesses, and other buildings out of the floodplain, generally in areas near North 33rd, North 48th, along with Holdrege Street, Leighton Avenue, and Huntington Avenue.
LTU Watershed Manager Tim Zach tells KLIN News, the project was originally proposed by the United States Army Corp of Engineers in 2015 (USACE) and expected to cost $25.5 million — with USACE paying $10 million and the City and LPSNRD planned to split $15.5 million for the project. Due to increased design costs, material prices, and rising interest rates, the cost of the project more than doubled to $60 million.
Deadmans Run on North 48th Street. (Tom Stanton, KLIN News)
Under a new updated plan, USACE is no longer involved in the project, and the City and LPSNRD will fund the project by splitting costs evenly — bringing the cost down to an estimated $26 million.
“Instead of widening the channel by a large amount, constructing a concrete flume under the railroad bridges, replacing multiple bridges, and building a levee… our plan will build detention basins to help manage floodwaters — this means smaller channel widening than originally planned — and replacing only one bridge on 33rd Street instead of three,” said Zach.
The City’s portion of the project will be funded with 2019 Stormwater Bonds plus an estimated $3 million from the upcoming 2024 proposed Stormwater Bond.
“By hiring local engineering firms, we are able to review and update the plan that fits our needs and timetable while we work towards reducing the potential for flood damage in northeast Lincoln,” said LPSNRD Manager Mike Sousek.
Zach says the design process is expected to wrap up at the end of 2025, with construction starting at the beginning of 2026, and expected to conclude at the end of 2027.
Additional community engagement events will be planned in the future to gather input and answer questions related to the updated plan.
For more information on the Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project, visit lincoln.ne.gov/DeadmansRun.