US 75 / I-480
Interchange Project
Project IM-480-9(561) CN 21202

Text Only

Project Contacts:
Jeff Johnston, NDOR Interstate Design Unit Leader, 402-479-4731
Terry Gibson, NDOR Interstate Section Leader, 402-479-4565

Narrative updated September 2008

NOTE: Closings are happening frequently on this project,
They are posted on the News Release Page

During the 2008 construction season, the Department of Roads will continue progress on Phase 2 of the interchange which began in September of 2007.

This work will involve building 3 new bridges and paving the remainder of the US-75 northbound lanes, the southbound US-75 lanes to I-480 eastbound, and the I-480 eastbound lanes from Harney Street to 20th Street. The bridge work will include switching traffic to the new US-75 southbound to I-480 eastbound ramp bridge and remove the old ramp bridge. A new entrance ramp from Dodge Street will be built with access to northbound US-75 and eastbound I-480. This new eastbound I-480 access will replace the existing 30th Street to I-480 eastbound access that was permanently closed at the beginning of the project. The exit ramp to 24th Street will also be rebuilt. The construction of a 1036’ retaining wall and the removal of 6 existing bridges will be accomplished as well.

A minimum of one lane will be kept open to traffic throughout the project with some ramps being closed to facilitate construction. Some adverse impacts to traffic include:

• US-75 northbound being reduced by one lane to facilitate head-to-head detour for US-75 southbound to 24th Street exit ramp traffic. 
• US-75 & I-480 weekend & nighttime directional closures. 
• The Cuming Street entrance ramp to I-480 eastbound will be closed from April through October.

The entire Phase 2 work is scheduled to be completed by December of 2008.

The 3rd and final phase of the reconstruction was scheduled to begin in late summer of 2008 with an overall completion date of December 2009, however, due to funding shortfalls the completion date could be delayed as late as 2011. The entire interchange reconstruction includes building 14 new bridges and the removal of existing bridges that were built in the 1960’s & 70’s.

Background: The reconstruction of the I-480 / US-75 Interchange is the final segment of the interstate reconstruction in the City of Omaha and was included as part of the Environmental Assessment written for the I-80 reconstruction.

The need for the project and project schedule is controlled by the existing bridge conditions. The interchange bridges need to be replaced or need to be repaired to maintain them safely for the public. The interchange was originally built to connect a West Expressway in the Dodge Street corridor. The expressway was never built, which left the interchange with several unused bridges and substandard connections to the city streets. Since the interchange was constructed, design standards have also changed. The existing interchange incorporates several left side ramp entrances and insufficient sight distance, given current traveling speeds.

The project will improve traffic operations with extended ramp merges, added auxiliary lanes and flatter road profiles to improve sight distance.

Proposed Construction: The project limits are from Harney Street on the south to Hamilton Street on the north, and from 30th Street on the west to 20th Street on the east. A section of 30th Street will also be rebuilt. The Project will include removal of seven existing bridges, which will not be replaced. The construction of thirteen new bridges, concrete pavement, grading, culverts, lighting and guardrail.

Ramp access to and from the local street system will remain basically the same with the following exceptions:

• Ramp access from 30th street to northbound US-75 and eastbound I-480 will be eliminated.
• Currently the 28th and Dodge Street ramp provides ramp access only to northbound US-75. Access to eastbound I-480 will be added to 28th and Dodge Street ramp.

Related Studies:

Noise: Areas of this project have been identified as having noise levels that approach or exceed the Leq Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC) of 67 dBA for receptors listed in Activity Category B (residential) and 72 dBA for receptors listed in Activity Category C (commercial/industrial). As a result, thirteen separate areas were analyzed for noise abatement, however none of the thirteen areas meet the federal/state requirements for feasibility and reasonableness. Therefore no noise abatement measures will be included in the project.

Traffic: The Traffic Data Map is documented above.

Lighting/Signal/Signage: Eighteen new overhead sign structures will be erected. The Signage Plan is available.

Traffic Flow/Phasing:. Reconstruction will be accomplished through 16 individual projects.That will allow the work to be phased in an effort to maintain traffic. Although through traffic will be maintained, certain entrance ramps may be closed temporarily to facilitate construction.

Schedule: The interchange is planned to be reconstructed over a 3 to 4 year period beginning in the fall of 2005. Construction info for 2006-2009 is listed above. However, if funding levels do not increase, the last phase of the construction project scheduled for 2009, will be delayed until 2011.

Estimated Cost: The total cost of the entire interchange reconstruction is estimated at $52 Million in 2008 dollars.