PLATTSMOUTH – The highway reconstruction project between Murray and Plattsmouth got a financial boost Thursday when the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved a grant for $20 million.
The grant will help fund the road-widening project on approximately seven miles of Hwy. 75 and Hwy. 34. The construction will make the two-lane roadway into a four-lane divided expressway and include roadway, bridge and drainage improvements and replacements.
“Since fall of 2017, I’ve been advocating for this investment because it will improve road safety and connectivity between our communities,” Chairman of the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) said. “I’m thankful to (Transportation) Secretary (Elaine) Chao for her support of this important infrastructure project for Nebraska.”
On Monday, the Plattsmouth City Council voted to leave plans of leaving the intersection of First Avenue and Hwy. 75 unrestricted when the project is completed to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Controversy over the intersection started to heat up in 2017 when local developer Steve Willey learned restrictions would be placed on the intersection which adjoins Westside Development on the west side of the highway.
According to NDOT, the restriction is necessary to improve mobility, safety and reliability between the Omaha metro area and communities along the highway.
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Plattsmouth council votes ‘no’ on keeping Highway 75 intersection unrestricted
