The Nebraska Department of Transportation has released its 2025 Annual Report, outlining progress on safety, project delivery, and innovation while also highlighting long-term challenges facing the state’s transportation system.
The report, built around the agency’s eight strategic goals, focuses on measurable outcomes and continued efforts to improve mobility and infrastructure across Nebraska. NDOT Director Vicki Kramer said the agency remains committed to improving transportation through innovation and accountability.
“Year after year, the NDOT is committed to finding innovative ways to provide the best possible transportation system for the movement of people and goods,” Kramer said. “By leveraging new technology, expanding safety training, and exploring innovative delivery methods, we continue to challenge ourselves to meet current and future transportation needs while protecting Nebraskans.”
Safety remains a central focus following a 20-year high in roadway fatalities in 2024. While fatalities declined from 251 in 2024 to 228 in 2025, the report emphasizes that significant work remains. Nebraska has experienced trends that differ from national patterns, with fatalities not declining at the same rate, reinforcing the need for continued efforts to improve driver behavior and roadway conditions.
Work zones continue to present risks, with 589 crashes reported in 2025. NDOT has expanded the use of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices, with 50 units now operating statewide. These devices use visible signals and automated arms to direct traffic while allowing workers to control flow from a safer location. Approximately 10 of those devices have been struck by vehicles, demonstrating both their value in preventing worker injuries and the ongoing dangers drivers pose in work zones.
The agency has also strengthened its Traffic Incident Management program, which coordinates responses between first responders, transportation crews, and other agencies. In 2025, 952 responders completed training, along with 359 NDOT employees, as part of a broader effort to reduce congestion, clear crashes more quickly, and prevent secondary incidents.
Additional safety initiatives include high-visibility enforcement campaigns funded through federal grants, targeting behaviors such as impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and failure to wear seat belts. Officials say public education remains a critical component, with simple actions like slowing down, wearing seat belts, and avoiding distractions playing a key role in reducing crashes.
Beyond safety, NDOT reported strong performance in project delivery. The agency exceeded its goal of delivering 80 percent of projects in its five-year program, with 89 percent completed on time. Officials say this reflects improved planning, coordination, and the use of innovative contracting methods.
Those methods include alternative delivery approaches designed to improve efficiency on complex projects. NDOT awarded its first such contract for the Saddle Creek Bridge project in Omaha in 2025, followed by a second for the Red Cloud South Bridge project in early 2026.
The report also highlights efforts to improve efficiency behind the scenes. In 2025, NDOT took over its own procurement processes, a shift expected to save more than $200,000 annually while improving flexibility and reducing administrative delays.
The Nebraska Infrastructure Hub also marked a milestone year, supporting local communities in pursuing federal funding opportunities. In its first full year, the hub reviewed more than 100 projects and assisted dozens of agencies across the state.
Despite these gains, the report points to growing concerns about the long-term condition of Nebraska’s transportation system. Currently, 96 percent of highways and 97 percent of state-owned bridges are rated in good or fair condition. However, projections show that 30 to 35 percent of highways could fall below good condition by 2032 if funding levels remain unchanged.
NDOT estimates annual infrastructure needs at approximately $875 million, which continues to outpace available funding. Officials say maintaining the system while also addressing future growth will require continued investment and careful prioritization.
The report also notes that Nebraska recently gained full responsibility for environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act, a move expected to streamline project timelines and improve efficiency in delivering transportation improvements.
Overall, the 2025 Annual Report highlights both progress and ongoing challenges, with NDOT emphasizing safety, innovation, and long-term planning as key priorities for the state’s transportation future.
The full report is available online at ndot.info/annual-report.