168th Street Improvements
Project Description
Sarpy County is beginning the design process to widen 168th Street from Highway 370 to Harrison Street. Phase 1 of this project will widen 168th Street from Giles Road to the BNSF Railroad Bridge, plus add right-hand turn lanes at the 168th and Giles intersection.
The purpose of the project is to improve the reliability of the transportation system, perpetuate the mobility of the traveling public, and reduce congestion. The need for this project is to address pavement rutting, cracking, subgrade failures, functionally obsolete bridge, increased maintenance costs and anticipated traffic growth. In addition to widening 168th street, this project will create a raised median, urban drainage accommodations, and sidewalks for the entire length of the project.
Phase 1 will help manage anticipated growth in traffic volumes related to a new elementary school and apartment project planned for FY 2024 in the vicinity of 168th and Giles.
Short-term closures and lane restrictions are anticipated during construction activities. This project will include a weeklong closure of the 168th Street and Giles Road intersection so that crews can add right-hand turn lanes.
Detour routes will be identified when lane restrictions are necessary. Local access to areas served by the roadway network will be maintained at all times with no exceptions if alternate access cannot be provided.
Project Updates
June 26, 2024: The 168th and Giles intersection has reopened. Restrictions remain for southbound traffic along 168th Street.
June 3, 2024: Weather permitting, the intersection of 168th Street and Giles Road will be closed for seven days, beginning June 17, to allow for traffic improvements. Construction crews will add right-hand turn lanes, pedestrian crossings and improved signalization.
Through traffic that uses 168th and Giles should detour to 144th and 180th Streets to Harrison Street or Highway 370.
Drivers who live in surrounding neighborhoods can access their homes via 168th and Cary Streets; 168th and Briar Streets; Giles Road and 168th Avenue; and Giles Road and 156th Avenue.
The 168th and Giles intersection is expected to reopen the week of June 24; work is weather-dependent.
April 4, 2024: Graham Construction crews are widening 168th Street to three lanes to improve traffic flow in this growing area of the county. The project will add dedicated turn lanes and urban drainage.
Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 15. Message boards have been posted in the area.
Northbound 168th Street will remain open during the project. Southbound 168th Street traffic from Josephine Street to Birch Street will detour to 180th Street or 144th Street/Highway 50. Please use caution when driving in the area.
Neighborhoods in this area will remain accessible for the duration of the project.
Proposed Schedule for Phase 1 (168th Street, from Giles Road to the BNSF Railroad Bridge)
Preliminary and Final Design: Summer-Fall 2023
Utility Relocations: Winter 2023-2024
Construction Start: April 15, 2024. The project will take approximately 90 calendar days to complete.
Contact Us
Engineering Firm: Schemmer Associates
Shane Swope
sswope@schemmer.com | 402-493-4800
Contractor: Graham Construction
Sarpy County
Project Representative: Neal Sellers
nsellers@sarpy.gov | 402-537-6907
Project Representative: Mark Wayne
mwayne@sarpy.gov | 402-537-6900