How Far Is It From Omaha To Grand Island

09-28-2007, 11:35 AM

There has been a lot of talk about a high-speed commuter rail line from Omaha to Lincoln. Do you think this is needed even with the expansion of I-80 to six-lanes? Even with a "high speed" rail line how much faster would it be than drive the 45 minutes it takes from the outskirts. It could be worth it if they had multiple stops between the two cities allowing for much expansion of the I-80 coriddor.

What do you think?

09-28-2007, 02:04 PM

I don't think there has really been a lot of talk about it. It was brought up about 5 years ago or so, but has since been pretty well buried. (Unless I've missed some new discussion about it...)

Although, if gases prices were to reach extreme levels, say over $5/gallon, I think people would seriously consider alternative transportation methods.

As far as how fast it could be I'm not totally sure. I would assume they would have something going in the 80 to 90 mph area. They aren't going to bring in a state-of-the-art "bullet train" that's going 140 mph for a 50 mile trip.

The 45 minute trip from Omaha to Lincoln is a myth. I currently live in FAR west omaha (192 and Q) and commute to Lincoln (I get off on the 56th st. exit). From my door to the door of my destination it takes an hour and I would say I probably have one of the shortest commutes from Lincoln to Omaha. The problem isn't the interstate drive its the stop light to stop light driving that you have to go through to get to the interstate.

That said, that same "in city" driving would have to take place to get to a train station. And where would that station be? If it were in downtown Omaha it would be absurd for someone in western Omaha to drive to downtown Omaha to catch a train to Lincoln.

In the end, like you mentioned, the cities are just too close to really fuel much support for the train. It would gain much more support if Lincoln were located as far away as Grand Island. In fact, I could envision a train between Des Moines and Omaha or Kansas City and Omaha before I could see one to Lincoln. However, if gas prices continue to climb then I may change my opinion on that.

09-28-2007, 11:46 PM

At this point I don't think a rail line from Omaha to Lincoln is practical. Although I would like to see some sort of lightrail system for Omaha itself. Perhaps a line from the river out to Millard, and another from the airport to the airbase.

Then if that works, eventually expand it to Lincoln as the city continues to grow.

09-28-2007, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eahall View Post

There has been a lot of talk about a high-speed commuter rail line from Omaha to Lincoln. Do you think this is needed even with the expansion of I-80 to six-lanes? Even with a "high speed" rail line how much faster would it be than drive the 45 minutes it takes from the outskirts. It could be worth it if they had multiple stops between the two cities allowing for much expansion of the I-80 coriddor.

What do you think?

rail lines take enormous capital investment. we have not spent on infrastructure big time in a long time. we have been coasting.
all the money we spent in this war, 3 trillion could not complete the public transport improvements that our nation needs.
big money big money.
stephen s
san diego ca

12-11-2008, 10:38 AM

I think this would totally work. I have lived in Lincoln as well as some time in Europe, and I can attest to efficiency of high-speed rail transit. In my view, the ideal line would have three stops and run in a loop. Those three stops would be downtown Lincoln (around the mess of existing/extinct rail lines West of the Haymarket), west Omaha (around 144th and Dodge), and downtown Omaha (by Conagra). If you have multiple trains on this line, stops can be relatively frequent (2-4 per hour).

In reaction to a light-rail system, I just don't think Omaha is big enough. I have also lived in Minneapolis which has a new light-rail that runs from the west suburbs and into downtown. I have used this line many times and am pleased with its efficiency. Omaha is simply not big enough. If/when it becomes big enough, a light-rail could be an option as track lines/ stations are fairly easy to implement (relative to a high-speed line).

Wether you voted for Obama or not, he is prepared to spend billions in investing in our countries infrastructure. This money, if spent right, can filter down into regional/city projects. Think about it: American engineers can be hired to build an electric (environmentally friendly) line where they would hire American construction workers. Of course, one would expect to pay a fee for travel, which could help maintain the line and train. And, it would open up jobs for transit police, maintenance, and drivers-not to mention the possibility of food and convenience stores located at the stations.

If you talk to any Lincoln/Omaha commuter, they will tell you about the frustrations of varying speed limits due to constant construction. Having a light-rail will decrease the amount of these commuters on this stretch of the highway. It will, however, allow for lighter traffic for freight movement (the people would need to be on the highways) on one of Americas busiest stretch of highway.

I urge anybody reading this in the area to become involved in support of this. It is time to move ahead and away from our dependance of our autos.