The Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project extends from 48th Street, downstream to Cornhusker Highway. The project’s purpose is to reduce flooding risks along Deadmans Run and remove properties from the 1% Annual Chance Floodplain (also commonly known as the 100-year FEMA Floodplain). This effort will assist in maintaining a safe environment by removing an estimated 480 homes, businesses, and other structures out of the floodplain.
The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD) and the City of Lincoln are jointly leading the effort to complete this project. The City of Lincoln has a partnership agreement with the NRD and is partnering 50/50 on all aspects of the project.
The Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project will provide flood protection for residences near North 33rd Street, North 48th Street, Leighton Avenue, and Huntington Avenue. The total cost of the project is estimated at $26 million. The design work is being completed by two local engineering firms, Houston Engineering and WSP.
The project was originally proposed and led by the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) and expected to cost $25.5 million. USACE planned to invest $10 million and the City and LPSNRD planned to split $15.5 million for the project. Due to increased design costs, material prices, and rising interest rates, the original cost of the project escalated to $60 million in 2024. Therefore, the City and LPSNRD updated the plan with the USACE no longer involved in the project. The City and LPSNRD will fund the project by splitting costs evenly. By redesigning the project and maintaining the same project benefits, project cost savings are estimated to be $34 million.
More info: LTU and NRD Provide Flood Reduction Project Update (8/22/2024)
Community Engagement opportunities will be planned in the future and posted to this website.
Detention Basins
- The project team is currently looking at viable locations to construct detention basins.
- Detention basins temporarily hold stormwater runoff and help reduce flood waters in the channel.
- Detention basins help manage food risk and reduce the extent of channel widening and bridge replacements needed.
Widening of Deadmans Run Channel
- The current channel contains the 25-year flood in most locations.
- The channel will be widened in certain locations between Cornhusker Highway to 48th Street in order to contain the 100-year flood.
- Widened channel banks would incorporate armoring, native vegetation and grasses.
New Bridge at 33rd Street
Funding is generally 100% Local. The local cost share portion is being funded in part by the State of Nebraska’s Water Sustainability Fund, with the remainder of the cost share being split equally between the NRD and City. The City of Lincoln's portion of cost is funded through voter approved City of Lincoln Stormwater Bonds. Total project cost of all components is estimated at about $26 million.
Current Schedule
The project team is currently working on an updated schedule. The estimate of the timeline is below:
- Complete 60% Design Spring 2025
- Complete Final (100%) Design Summer 2025
- Acquire Right-of-Way 2025
- Construction 2026 to mid-2027
- FEMA Letter of Map Revision 2028
History
In 2015, the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) began the Deadmans Run Project Feasibility Study. Public meetings were held on:
- Jun. 30, 2015
- Mar. 15, 2016
- Jan. 17, 2017
- Mar. 28, 2018
On August 9, 2018, the Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment
were approved by USACE.
In 2019, the USACE began the Design and Implementation Phase of the project.
In 2019-2020, design was delayed by the USACE due to recovery efforts for the flood of 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, the detention basin was deemed not necessary upon completion of the hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
In 2024, the City and LPSNRD announced an updated plan. In the updated plan, the City and Lower Platte South Natural Resources District are working with two local engineering firms to complete the project and reduce costs. USACE is no longer involved.
Original Plan (prior to 2024)
The Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project was originally led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under the authority of Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of 1948. The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD) was the principle non-federal sponsor.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Study Information
Project Components
The original plan had a different channel widening configuration and the addition of:
- Concrete Flume at Railroad Bridges
- A concrete flume would be placed under the existing BNSF and OL&B Railroad bridges.
- The smooth concrete surface would allow more water to pass underneath the railroad bridge.
- The current bridges would remain in place.
- 38th Street Bridge Replacement
- The new bridge would be similar in size to the existing bridge (approximately 130 feet long by 28 feet wide).
- The bottom portion of the bridge would be raised to allow for 100-year flood flows.
- The new bridge would meet current local design criteria.
- 48th Street Bridge Replacement
- The new bridge would be approximately 90 feet long by 71 feet wide with proposed pedestrian sidewalks on both sides.
- Bridge approaches would be raised.
- The wider bridge footprint may require relocation of an existing restaurant.
- The new bridge would allow for 100-year flood flows.
- New Access Road Off State Fair Park Drive and Re-configuration of Grain Elevator Site
- State Fair Park Drive access road would be relocated farther south to accommodate the wider channel and address current safety concerns and traffic delays.
- A larger culvert would be placed under the new access road to allow for increased water flow.
Project Funding
Funding was generally 65% Federal and 35% Local.
More Information
U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Project Information
Other projects planned in the vicinity: