Nebraska Department of Transportation

NDOT Aeronautics was proud to host two Youth Aviation + Art Showcase events recognizing students whose artwork placed in the top three categories statewide of this year’s Youth Aviation Art Contest. This year’s theme, “Fly to Save Lives,” inspired artwork featuring aerial firefighting, medical helicopters, rescue missions, and more. Thank you to the outstanding speakers and partners who helped bring the theme to life, including representatives from StarCare, LifeNet, Brian Wilcox of Wilcox Flying Service, the Nebraska Forest Service, and the Nebraska Army National Guard. Students had the opportunity to hear firsthand how aviation saves lives and explore the many careers connected to it. Thank you to all of the youth artists, families, teachers, aviation professionals, and community partners who made these showcases so meaningful, including the Nebraska Aviation Council, Lincoln Airport Authority, Wayne Municipal Airport, and Duncan Aviation. Next year’s contest kicks off in October 2027. Learn more about the contest at https://ndot.info/f9l. For more photos visit https://lnkd.in/gdFFuF2h.

The Youth Aviation Art Contest Traveling Exhibit has touched down at the Lincoln Airport Authority, where travelers and visitors can view the winning artwork from each category of the statewide contest. The traveling exhibit is part of NDOT Aeronautics’ Youth Aviation Art Contest, which encourages students to explore the industry through art, while showcasing career opportunities available across Nebraska. Catch the exhibit during its stay at the Lincoln Airport through May 25, and follow its journey across the state at https://lnkd.in/g9H7cgNz.

Join our team and help shape the future of transportation in Nebraska! Are you passionate about public service, policy, and making an impact? NDOT is hiring a State Government Affairs Manager to work with state leaders, track legislation, and advocate for infrastructure that keeps Nebraska moving. Applications close Friday, May 8. Apply today! https://ndot.info/e08291

Last week the Board of Examiners (BEX) for County Highway and City Street Superintendents held its final meeting, marking the end of more than 56 years of service to Nebraska communities. Established in 1969, BEX was responsible for testing and licensing local officials, or their agents, charged with overseeing the construction, maintenance, and operation of municipal streets and county roads. Following the passage of LB 346 in 2025, BEX will be officially retired on July 1, 2026, with its responsibilities transitioning to the Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards. We would like to thank the 37 members who have served on the board throughout the years, and for their contribution to improving communities across the state. Their work has helped protect taxpayer investments, and supported generations of professionals and leaders in transportation and public works. NDOT also extends a special thank you to the board’s most recent members: • Kent H. Anderson, Chair (26 years) • Chris P. Jacobsen (10 years) • Bruce H. Filipi (3 years) • David A. Goedeken (15 years) • James K. McDonald (19 years)

Did you know approximately 75% of plastic waste goes straight to landfills? Nebraska is turning that problem into pavement. After a 2023 NDOT Feasibility study and a 2025 pilot project in South Sioux City funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust, a 4,000-foot segment of Foundry Road was paved using an asphalt mixture incorporating the equivalent of approximately 2 million recycled plastic bags and 25% recycled asphalt pavement. Now, NDOT is tracking how recycled‑plastic asphalt performs long‑term. Innovation in action. Read more about the project: https://ndot.info/ca4561

As National Work Zone Awareness Week comes to a close, we want everyone to remember to help keep roadway workers safe all year long. Whether it's speeding or distracted driving, these behaviors put both drivers and roadway workers at risk. Safe actions save lives.

Today, NDOT is celebrating Go Orange Day as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week! It's a day where roadway safety professionals across the country are encouraged to wear orange, serving as a visible reminder of the importance of safe driving through work zones. Thank you to the NDOT teammates across the state who participated! Preliminary data shows there were 613 crashes in work zones on Nebraska highways and interstates in 2025, and 1,160 crashes statewide. Let's all do our part to make sure everyone gets home safe. Safe actions save lives.

The Youth Aviation Art Contest Traveling Exhibit has taken flight! Our first landing spot is the lobby of Connell Hall at Wayne State College, where the top three winning artworks from each category will be on display through May 1. This traveling exhibit is part of NDOT Aeronautics’ statewide Youth Aviation Art Contest, which introduces students to aviation through art and highlights real-world aviation careers across Nebraska. Follow the journey of the traveling exhibit and learn more about the Youth Aviation Art Contest at https://lnkd.in/g9H7cgNz.

This week, NDOT and agencies across the country are celebrating National Work Zone Awareness Week, highlighting the importance of safe driving near work zones. Remember to slow down, pay attention, and keep the phone down so everyone can make it home safe.

Today, Governor Jim Pillen and members of his cabinet, including NDOT Director Vicki Kramer, came together to highlight accomplishments from the 109th Legislative Session, as well as previous agency achievements. Director Kramer highlighted NDOT's successes, including being awarded Full NEPA Assignment to streamline the environmental review process to deliver vital transportation projects, securing more than $453 million in federal discretionary grants, as well as putting the final segment of US-275 under contract. These milestones reflect NDOT’s continued commitment to delivering projects smarter and faster, all while keeping Nebraskans safe.