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

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

Narrative updated March 2010

News Release - March 26, 2010
Photos - March 26, 2010

CLOSINGS are happening frequently on this project,
They are posted in advance on the News Release Page

Scroll down the page for general closing timeline

NDOR has completed the phase 2 work on this Interchange reconstruction, which began in the fall of 2007 and was completed by December of 2008. (See Below...Planned Construction by Year - 2008).

The third and final phase of the construction 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 was delayed to early 2011.

The third and final phase was let to contract on August 6, 2009.  This construction includes:

• Building the westbound to southbound I-480 lanes through the middle of the Interchange;
• The ramps to and from 30th Street to I-480;
• Rebuilding of 30th Street between ramp terminals;
• Southbound US 75 ramp to I-480;
• The entrance ramp southbound from Hamilton Street. 

Three bridges will be rebuilt under this contract: 

• Mainline I-480 westbound bridge over 24th Street;
• Relocated bridge on US 75 southbound to I-480 over 30th Street exit ramp;
• The bridge over Burt and Cuming Streets on US 75 to I-480 ramp.

(See Below...Planned Construction by Year 2009 - 2011)

The entire Interchange reconstruction includes building 14 new bridges and the removal of obsolete bridges that were built in the 1960's and 1970's.

A minimum of one lane on I-480 and US 75 will be kept open to traffic throughout the project construction.  Some ramps, however, are being closed to facilitate construction.  Traffic impacts in 2010 include:

Overview/Timeline of Construction Related Delays/Closures

2010 Spring - Early Summer

Closure:  Cuming On-Ramp to I-480 Southbound.  This closure will be in Early Spring 2010 for pavement construction.

Lane Reduction:  I-480 Westbound/Southbound will be reduced to one lane from 30th Street exit to connection with US-75 Southbound Ramp:  This will happen in the Spring 2010 and with incentives may only be 5 to 6 weeks.

Night Lane Closures: I-480 for pavement construction (except in area of single-lane operation).

2010 Summer

Closure:  17th Street On-Ramp to I-480.  This ramp will not be closed until the Cuming Street On-Ramp is open.  This ramp will be closed until late Fall.

Lane Reduction:  30th Street will be reduced to one lane each direction and constructed in two phases.

2010 Late Summer to Late Fall

Closure:  US-75 Southbound Ramp to 30th Street will be closed.

Closure:  I-480 Westbound to US-75 Northbound Ramp for pavement construction (one month or less).

Closure:  30th Street On-Ramp to I-480 Southbound will be closed during the 30th Street construction.

Note:  I-480 Westbound to 30th Street Exit Ramp will be maintained open during all phases of construction (except one weekend closure for bridge removal).

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 $59 Million in 2010 dollars.