The Nebraska Department of Transportation has scheduled a public hearing to present the preliminary design and draft Environmental Assessment for the proposed Central City Viaduct project. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the Performing Arts Center at Central City High School and Middle School. It will begin at 5:30 p.m., with a formal presentation at 6 p.m., followed by an open house until 7:30 p.m.

The Central City Viaduct project, identified as C.N. 42013, involves construction of a 580-foot-long viaduct over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The viaduct would require the closure of two existing at-grade railroad crossings at N-14/17th Avenue and 13th Street. The project would realign portions of U.S. Highway 30 and Nebraska Highway 14 to improve vehicle flow and safety in the area.

The plan includes shifting the US-30 and N-14 intersection westward to B Avenue and reconstructing US-30 as a three-lane urban roadway with sidewalks and parking between C Avenue and B Avenue and between 16th Avenue and 13th Avenue. Between B Avenue and 16th Avenue, US-30 would feature two lanes divided by a raised median. Nebraska Highway 14 would also be reconstructed as a curbed urban roadway with 12-foot lanes, sidewalks, and parking. A new alignment for N-14 would extend north from US-30 between 14th Avenue and 13th Avenue, crossing the Union Pacific Railroad tracks before reconnecting to existing N-14 near 10th Street.

The project includes constructing a roundabout at the northern intersection of N-14 and a T-intersection at the southern end of the viaduct connection with US-30. The existing section of N-14 between US-30 and south of 10th Street would be repaired and transferred to Central City for local use. Additional infrastructure improvements include paving, storm sewer work, traffic signal upgrades, and pedestrian accommodations.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and conclude in 2029. Most construction would occur while maintaining traffic flow, although temporary detours would be required. Proposed detour routes for N-14 include Nebraska Highway 92, U.S. Highway 81, and Nebraska Highway 66. For US-30, detours would vary depending on the construction stage and may include Nebraska Highway 39, U.S. Highway 281, and U.S. Highway 34. Short-term closures of side streets for local traffic are also anticipated.

The project will require property acquisition, including rightof- way, easements, and access controls. Commercial relocations may occur, and modifications to downtown parking are planned. Parking along portions of US-30 between 16th Avenue and 14th Avenue will be reduced, with offstreet parking remaining available at specific businesses.

Environmental impacts of the project have been assessed. The viaduct will temporarily occupy part of the Dark Island Trail, but access will be maintained through alternative routes. Wetlands affected during construction will be restored, and measures will be taken to minimize floodplain disruptions in compliance with local regulations.

The draft Environmental Assessment is available for review at NDOT offices in Lincoln and Grand Island and at the Central City Public Library. Comments will be accepted at the public hearing or submitted through mail, email, or the NDOT website by Jan. 7, 2025. Feedback from the hearing and the comment period will inform final project design decisions.

This hearing marks the next step in the development of the Central City Viaduct project, which aims to address traffic and safety issues while making necessary infrastructure updates in the region.