NDOT panel approves I‑80 interchange at 192nd Street near Gretna; $35M project to advance

The Nebraska Department of Transportation’s State Highway Commission voted March 27 to approve the location and design of a new I‑80 interchange at 192nd Street southeast of Gretna, advancing a project NDOT estimates at about $35 million.

NDOT roadway design engineer Brian Jackson told the commission the selected alternative is a diamond interchange with connected roundabouts on each side of I‑80, reuse of the existing northbound bridge for northbound traffic, and a new southbound bridge that will include a pedestrian lane. "The purpose of this project is to mitigate existing and future operational deficiencies," Jackson said, summarizing the project's intent to improve regional connectivity and reduce congestion as traffic grows.

NDOT said preliminary design is complete, environmental and resource reviews are underway, and the agency expects to enter final design in summer 2026 with right‑of‑way acquisition in the fall and a bid letting in late 2026 or early 2027. Construction could take up to two years, with final cleanup potentially extending into 2028.

Agency staff reported that public outreach for the project included a Gretna open house on Feb. 12 that drew about 234 attendees and produced roughly 40 formal comment submissions. Staff said the comment responses were completed and distributed by the end of March.

On financing, NDOT staff described an "innovative finance" approach for the project that pairs federal, state and local funding and accelerates the schedule through partnership with the city of Gretna and local sponsors. The department said local partners have indicated a commitment of roughly 20 percent of the estimated project cost, and that final financial agreements were close to being finalized. NDOT staff cautioned that federal matching rules and overall federal allocation levels under the five‑year highway bill affect how the agency budgets for specific projects.

Commissioners moved and seconded approval of Resolution 2026‑3 (approval of project location and design and the purchase/use of access control at specific locations). The motion passed by roll call vote with Commissioners Kobel, Bennett, Cobb, Wolford and Mello recorded as voting "Yes." No public testimony was offered on the motion prior to the vote.

Next steps for the project are final design, right‑of‑way acquisition, and preparing a bid letting. NDOT staff said they will continue coordination with Sarpy County, the city of Gretna and regional partners as work progresses.

The commission meeting was held at the Columbus Community Building on March 27, 2026.