Map of railroad lines in 1975
At the time the RTSD was formed, there were five railroads entering the Lincoln area:
- Burlington Northern
- Union Pacific
- Missouri Pacific
- Chicago Rock Island and Pacific
- Chicago and Northwestern
The area impacted by these railroads and their crossings was initially divided into six corridors.
Corridor 'A' - Northwest Lincoln
Initial Projects:
- Remove Burlington Northern bridge over Oak Creek
- Consolidate Burlington Northern and Union Pacific Railroads
- Corridor 'A' work completed by Burlington Northern and Union Pacific in 1976, at a cost of $483,000
Corridor 'B' - West Lincoln
Initial Projects
- Construct new trackage in Burlington Northern yard
- Close railroad crossings at West 'O' and West 'P' streets
- Corridor 'B' work completed in 1979
Corridors 'C' - South Lincoln
Initial Projects
- Consolidate Burlington Northern, Union Pacific and Rock Island railroads on double track on 3rd St.
- Remove Rock Island from center of Lincoln
- Construct viaducts on Van Dorn St. and 'A' St.
Corridor 'D'
Initial Projects
- Consolidate Burlington Northern, Chicago & Northwestern and Rock Island railroads near 27th St.
- Construct viaduct on 27th St.
Corridors 'C' and 'D' were modified in 1980 to include only grade separations on North 27th, 'K', 'L' and Van Dorn streets. In 2000, a pedestrian underpass was constructed at an 'F' St. school crossing. In 2004 the 'A' Street Viaduct was completed, and at grade crossings were closed on 'A', 'B', 'C', 'E' and 'F' streets.
Corridor 'E' - East Lincoln
Initial Projects
- Consolidate MoPac Railroad with Rock Island Railroad
- Abandon Mopac Railroad
Corridor 'F' - South Lincoln
*Not pictured on map
Initial Projects
- Relocate Burlington Northern - Nebraska City line to two miles south of Lincoln
- Abandon Burlington Northern line parallel to Highway 2.
Corridors 'E' and 'F' did not have a positive benefit/cost ratio and did not move ahead. In 1973 MoPac and Rock Island railroads ceased operations in Lincoln.
