Governor Jim Pillen and other state and local officials gathered on Monday to celebrate the beginning of the I-80 expansion project from Lincoln to Pleasant Dale. When the three year project is completed there will be three lanes in each direction.
“The first 17 or so miles is already underway and moving,” says Nebraska Department of Transportation Director Vicki Kramer. “Years of planning and investment have gotten us to today, where we continue our commitment to expanding I-80 west.”
She says the goal of the project is to reduce congestion and improve safety for motorists, reducing the risk of accidents and improving travel times. Pillen says Nebraskans understand the need for safe and reliable infrastructure to grow the state.
The expansion project begins at NW56th Street in Lincoln, which is in Nebraska State Senator Beau Ballard’s district. “This project, much like the South Beltway and the future East Beltway, promises to improve safety, mobility, and congestion for Southeast Nebraska. Commitment to projects such as these supports the growth of our state and improves the lives of Nebraskans for generations to come.”
Chris Hawkins, President and CEO of Hawkins Construction says because it’s a three year project traffic isn’t expected to be significantly impacted. “We need to be able to maintain traffic at it’s current status.”