The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking public input as it develops a Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Plan for the BNSF Railway corridor from Omaha to Lincoln. The study focuses on 140 BNSF Railway crossings along 64.5 miles of Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Saunders and Lancaster counties.
The department asks residents in the target area to share their experiences with railroad crossings that they feel are unsafe or make travel challenging by filling out a five-minute survey by Aug. 20.
The study will evaluate 67 grade-separated crossings, such as bridges or tunnels, that allow vehicles or pedestrians to go over or under railroad tracks; and 73 at-grade crossings where roads and trains meet at the same level. The goal is understand how the crossings currently function and recommend improvements that could reduce crashes and improve travel.
The department will combine the feedback with data such as cost analysis and crash history to identify areas with safety and operational concerns.
NDOT will begin developing recommendations once the survey closes. The completed plan is expected to be completed by spring 2027. It will identify safety and operational issues, evaluate possible solutions, prioritize feasible improvements, and help guide future funding and implementation decisions.