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Omaha to Lincoln Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Plan

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About the Study

The Omaha to Lincoln Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Plan is a study by the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) to evaluate and improve locations where roads cross railroad tracks along the BNSF Railway (BNSF) corridor.

The study looks at 140 railroad crossings across 64.5 miles, spanning parts of Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Saunders, and Lancaster counties. The study area includes Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding communities.

The study is funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and evaluates:

  • 73 at-grade crossings, where roads and trains meet at the same level.
  • 67 grade-separated crossings, such as bridges or tunnels that allow vehicles or pedestrians to go over or under railroad tracks.

The goal of this study is to understand how each crossing functions today and recommend improvements that could reduce crashes and improve travel for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Once complete, the plan will:

  • Identify safety and operational issues
  • Evaluate possible solutions
  • Prioritize feasible improvements
  • Help guide future funding and implementation decisions

Potential Improvement Options

Not every crossing will have proposed changes. Where changes are recommended, they will be tailored to the specific location and its needs. Recommendations may include:

  • Closing or combining crossings
  • Upgrading warning devices (such as signals and gates)
  • Adjusting road alignment or elevation
  • Creating new connections or grade separations
  • Adding pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements
  • Improving maintenance where no other upgrades are recommended

Study Area

Study Area Map

Download the Map

Study Schedule

March - September 2026

  • Crossing inventory and existing conditions evaluation
  • Virtual public meeting, focus groups, and an online survey

October - December 2026

  • Develop crossing recommendations, cost analysis, and project prioritization

January - Spring 2027

  • Draft plan development
  • Virtual public meetings and focus groups

Early Summer 2027

  • Final plan released

Public Involvement Process

Public involvement is a key part of this study and will help our team evaluate crossings and develop final recommendations. NDOT wants to hear directly from people who use, live near, or are affected by rail crossings in the study area.

During the study, NDOT will offer:

  • An online survey
  • Virtual public meetings
  • Focus groups

Study Updates

To receive updates on the Omaha to Lincoln Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Plan, sign up below.

Frequently Asked Questions

This study evaluates current conditions at selected rail crossings and identifies potential opportunities for future consideration. It is important to note that not every crossing will have proposed changes.

Possibly. The final plan will include recommendations that will consider public feedback gathered during the study. NDOT will use the plan to help decide which improvements to pursue future funding for, with the goal of focusing on priority projects that improve conditions for road users, communities, and train operators.

A grade crossing is where a road, sidewalk, or pathway crosses railroad tracks at the same level. These locations are important because they are places where vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and trains all interact.

As of 2025, crashes at highway-rail grade crossings remain one of the leading causes of rail-related injuries and fatalities in the United States. For more information on highway-rail grade crossing safety, visit the FRA's webpage. Improving safety at these crossings can help protect everyone who uses them.

Take the Survey

We'd like your input on rail crossings between Omaha and Lincoln. Please review the study area map and answer the questions below. Your feedback will help guide our Safety Improvement Plan's development and recommendations.

We are collecting feedback on specific crossings shown on the map. Please answer the following questions about one rail crossing. You may take the survey again to provide input on another location. To begin taking the survey, click on any of the crossings in the map below.

  • Yellow railroad sign Grade Separated Crossing
  • Lighter yellow railroad sign At-Grade Crossing
  • Transparent black area Rail Corridor
  • Transparent black area Cities along the Corridor

Your Experience

How often do you use this crossing?
How do you (or people in your household) use this crossing? (Select all that apply.)
How often do you notice trains passing or stopped at this crossing?
If a train is blocking the crossing, how long do you usually have to wait for it to move?
How often do you experience being delayed by a train at this crossing?
Have you ever experienced or seen a close call or near-miss at this crossing?
Have you noticed any challenges for people walking, bicycling, or using mobility devices at this crossing?
If this crossing is blocked by a train, are alternate routes available to you?
About how much extra time does the alternate route take?
What do you do? (Select all that apply)

About You

These questions are optional and anonymous, and your personal information will not be shared. If you'd prefer to skip these questions simply click "Submit" at the bottom of the page.

What is your age?
What is your gender?
Thank you for your comment! You can add additional comments by clicking on another crossing.