NDOT Spotlights Railroad Safety Week; Governor Signs Proclamation

Sept. 16, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is dedicating this week to promoting railroad safety. On Sept. 16, representatives from the agency were on hand to receive a proclamation signed by Gov. Jim Pillen, recognizing See Tracks? Think Train Week. The week highlights the need for awareness and caution when walking or driving near railroad tracks and trains. 

“We remain committed to educating the public and enhancing safety around railroad crossings,” NDOT Director Vicki Kramer said. “Raising awareness is vital as we continue working toward the goal of making every railroad crossing safe and eliminating fatalities. As we work toward this goal, we value our strong partnerships with Operation Lifesaver, the Railroad Transportation Safety District, and law enforcement agencies statewide.”

Nationwide, a person or vehicle is hit by a train every three hours. Last year, 1,024 people in the U.S. were killed or injured in vehicle-train collisions, with 18 incidents in Nebraska. Another 1,438 people were killed or injured while walking on or near railroad tracks, with seven incidents in Nebraska.

Earlier this year, Nebraska received a combined $67.9 million in federal grant awards as part of the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program to focus on improving safety. Projects include:

*33rd and Cornhusker Viaduct Project in Lincoln, awarded $66.7 million to build a new bridge over the rail corridor, eliminating two at-grade crossings.
 
*Grand Island Rail Crossing Study, awarded $600,000 to assess conditions of 17 rail crossings and develop a prioritized Corridor Improvement Plan.

*Omaha to Lincoln Rail Crossing Study, also awarded $600,000 to evaluate 73 at-grade crossings along more than 64 miles of BNSF track to identify safety improvements.