Heartland
Expressway
Corridor Study
NH-385-3(115)
Control # 51304
Text Only
Project Contacts:
Steve
McBeth, Planning & Location Studies Engineer, 402.479.4417
Jim Wilkinson,
Corridor Studies Engineer, 402.479.4421
Aerial Photos
with Preliminary Plan Overlays Showing Several Views All of the documents below are in DjVu format. Even though this format reduces file size dramatically, some of the files are still quite large. Please allow adequate time for download if you have a dial-up connection. If you do not have the DjVu reader, please download the FREE READER by clicking on the DjVu button on the sidebar to the left. |
||
These are
Preliminary Plans Only |
||
Proposed Construction: The study scope is to determine a conceptual location for approximately 45 miles of a four-lane expressway-type facility. It includes segments of state highway between Minatare and Alliance, including US-26, L-62A and US-385. There is a signed environmental assessment for a concept for the US-26 and L 62A segments, however, some details have been updated to reflect changes which have occurred along that corridor.
Lighting/Signals/Signing: No traffic signals are anticipated under the proposed concept. Details such as lighting and signing will be determined later in the design process.
Related Studies: There was a study done in 1993 by NDOR and the South Dakota Department of Transportation which determined the economic and engineering feasiblity, in general, of a Heartland Expressway facility. There were public information meetings held at that time. The study recommended one alternative, Route Option D, which connects Scottsbluff/Gering and Rapid City via Alliance, Chadron and Hot Springs.
Right-of-Way: Major right-of-way will be required. For the entire corridor, there is planned acquisition of up to 35 buildings, 20 of which are residences and 2 of which are businesses. This breaks down to 23 buildings (including 16 residences) along US-26 and L-62A, and 12 buildings (including 4 residences and 2 businesses) along the US-385 corridor. Depending on the selected highway location, some of these may not need to be acquired.
Phasing: We do not anticipate detouring traffic during construction. The need for temporary roadways will be determined after survey and some detailed design are done.
Schedule: Constuction is not anticipated to commence for at least five years.
Estimated Cost: The recent federal highway bill, SAFET-LU, earmarked $21.5 million for construction. This is not enough money to construct a four-lane facility from Minatare to Alliance. Early estimates indicate that 10 miles or less of a four-lane facility could be constructed, out of the approximately 45 total miles of the study.