State Highway Commission backs NDOT design for N-66 connection in Louisville

The Nebraska State Highway Commission on Aug. 22 recommended approval of the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s design for the N‑66 connection in Louisville, approving a commission resolution that advances the project to the governor as required by state law.

NDOT consultant Brian Johnson of Broadway Design told the commission the plan would close three existing Union Pacific at‑grade crossings, construct a new signalized, at‑grade crossing on Fifth Street, build turn lanes at the N‑50/N‑66 intersection, add pedestrian accommodations and realign about 0.13 miles of the route so the state route is continuous through Louisville. "This project will be connecting the gap for one continuous highway route," Johnson said during his presentation.

The department estimates the N‑66 connection will cost about $9 million, funded through a combination of federal, state and city sources, and reported that right‑of‑way acquisition is underway. NDOT staff said the project is in final design, the agency expects to submit a categorical exclusion to the Federal Highway Administration later in 2025, plans to let the project for construction in 2026 and finish construction in 2027.

The project team described the preferred alignment and design features: 12‑foot driving lanes with shoulders, a pedestrian sidewalk north of the new alignment, a pedestrian barrier on the bridge segment and removal of two siding tracks at the Union Pacific crossing. As part of the plan, three existing UP crossings north, south and about three miles south of town would be closed; the county and Union Pacific have agreed to those closures in coordination with the project.

NDOT held a public information open house on May 29 that drew about 106 people and generated 26 comments, according to the presentation. Common concerns from attendees included impacts to residents along existing Fifth Street — which would be converted from a dead‑end street to a state route — pedestrian safety at the new crossing, the timing and coordination of construction with a separate Sixth Street bridge project, and long‑term intersection needs at N‑50 and N‑66. NDOT staff said pedestrian facilities and high‑visibility crossing treatments are part of the design and that intersections will be monitored for future improvements.

Commissioners voted to recommend NDOT’s design to the governor by approving Resolution No. 2025‑5. The roll call recorded the motion as approved by the commissioners present. The resolution cites Nebraska Revised Statute 39‑1309.2 as the authorizing statute for commission review of NDOT project location and design recommendations.

The commission’s action clears the way for the department to pursue required federal approvals, complete right‑of‑way work and move toward advertisement. NDOT staff said they and city officials will continue coordination on pedestrian access and traffic management during construction.