A bicyclist rides along the MoPac Trail near 120th and A streets east of Lincoln.
Journal Star file photo
A fully connected MoPac trail between Lincoln and Omaha is inching closer to becoming a reality.
A recent study has proposed four possible routes to connect the existing MoPac East trail from the Elmwood area to the Lied Bridge over the Platte River near South Bend. The State of Nebraska has allocated $8.3 million to construct the trail connection. Before that construction begins, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District and Cass County have been working together since late 2023 to identify potential routes while incorporating community involvement.
The existing MoPac trail has a gap between the Lied Bridge over the Platte River near South Bend and Wabash.
Courtesy Photo
“From the start, the study team was tasked with finding a route that completes the MoPac East trail with as little private property impact as possible, enhances recreational opportunities in Cass County, moves Nebraska’s portion of a national and federal trail network closer to completion and ensures safety for pedestrians and cyclists,†according to an informational video from Connect MoPac, the group spearheading the project.
The first phase of the study consisted of five community workshops earlier this year that allowed the study team to get a better understanding of the area and the communities’ needs. That information was utilized to create potential trails for the study’s second phase.
Phase 2 is to “identify potential routes and select up to four options for in-depth evaluation and public impact,†according to Connect MoPac.
The study created four proposed trails ranging from 8.1 to 13.5 miles long, which would fully connect the MoPac Trail between Lincoln and Omaha. Each trail was assessed by the team based on user experience, safety, environmental impact, implementation and property impact.
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A recent study has proposed four possible routes to connect the existing MoPac East trail from the Elmwood area to the Lied Bridge over the Platte River near South Bend.
Courtesy Photo
“A preferred route has not been identified yet. No alternative is preferred over another,†according to the group's website.
Two meetings were held on July 30 in Ashland to share the four proposed routes with the community. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions about the trails and give feedback.
“Feedback from the July open house, along with a cost evaluation, will help us identify a preliminary route recommendation. This recommendation will be presented to residents and trail users at a final open house this fall,†a statement on the Connect MoPac Ìý²õ²¹²â²õ.
The date for the open house this fall for public input on the preferred route has yet to be announced.
The study is anticipated to be completed in December. Designs will begin in 2025, with construction starting as soon as 2026, according to the group.
Signs mark the 9.5-mile MoPac Trail link, mostly on gravel roads, between Wabash and South Bend.
Journal Star file photo
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Reach the writer at 402-473-2634 or ediamond@journalstar.com .
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