A coalition has formed in northeast Nebraska, pushing for the expansion of Highway 275.
4 Lanes 4 Nebraska Executive Director Josh Moening says the Norfolk area keeps growing, despite Highway 275 being a two-lane road between Norfolk and Fremont.
“This is an area that contributes so much to our state, economically and socially, but for so long we’ve been really isolated in terms of infrastructure with the 1940s highway,” Moening tells Nebraska Radio Network affiliate WJAG
Moening argues the area needs a four-lane highway connecting it with Interstate 80 in Omaha to expand its manufacturing, business, and agricultural sectors.
Highway 275 is two lanes for 45 miles between Norfolk and Fremont.
Moening says the coalition says it is time to make the case that expansion of Highway 275 is needed to continue the region’s progress.
“You have a mix of some very productive industry here that is forced yet to move products and commerce on a two-lane highway,” according to Moening.
Business and industry leaders from Norfolk, Pilger, West Point, Scribner, and Snyder make up 4 Lanes 4 Nebraska’s board of directors.
Highway 275 was constructed as a two-lane highway in 1939.The state in 1988 enacted a transportation policy calling for every major Nebraska community to be connected to the interstate system via a four-lane highway.
Paul Hughes, WJAG, contributed to this report.
