4 Lanes 4 Nebraska

Norfolk, NE — A coalition of industry and business interests in northeast Nebraska today announced the organization of 4 Lanes 4 Nebraska, a trade and advocacy organization promoting the modernization of Nebraska’s transportation infrastructure.  The group will focus immediately on the expansion of Highway 275 from two to four lanes from east of Norfolk to west of Fremont.  It has hired Josh Moenning, former District Director for U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry and Policy and Communications Director for Pete Ricketts’ gubernatorial campaign, to lead the organization.

“We’ve come together to make a simple point: Northeast Nebraska deserves 21^st century infrastructure,” Moenning said.  “With 1940s roadways, our steelmakers, manufacturers, cattle feeders, farmers, and small businesses remain isolated from major markets.  We have tremendous potential for new growth and increased quality of life, but outdated infrastructure is costing us countless opportunities to help grow Nebraska.  We hope to work constructively and creatively within our communities and with policymakers to make Hwy 275’s expansion a reality. ”

“Expanding Highway 275 is critically important to Nucor,” said Dirk Petersen, General Manager of Nucor Steel in Norfolk.  “We are poised for significant new growth. Having access to an interstate to realize that growth is crucial.” 

“We’ve been living on an island here for too long,” said Richard Robinson, President of Norfolk Iron & Metal.  “For the good of our families and communities, it’s time to finish the work of connecting our major communities with four-lane highways.” 

“The 275 corridor is cattle country, the largest cattle feeding area in America,” said JD Alexander, owner of Alexander Cattle and Farms of Pilger.  “More cattle are hauled up and down this road by more trucks every day.  We need a better and safer highway.”

“Manufacturers rely on safe, efficient roadways to get products to market,” said Jeff Scherer, Chief Financial Officer of Smeal Fire Apparatus Company of Snyder.  “This is a manufacturing corridor.  We need to get the right infrastructure in place.” 

“Our communities thrive when people and goods travel smoothly and safely,” said Nadine Hagedorn, Community President of Citizens State Bank in West Point.  “Highway 275 expansion would be a boon for area small businesses and community growth.”

“This is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the state,” said Dennis Baumert, owner of Scribner Grain in Scribner.  “Our farm products end up all over the country and all over the world, but getting them in and out of this area is more difficult than it should be.”

Petersen, Robinson, Alexander, Scherer, Hagedorn, and Baumert are founding members of the 4 Lanes 4 Nebraska board of directors.  Moenning will serve as the organization’s executive director, managing its education, research, and public relations efforts.  

Highway 275 was constructed as a two-lane highway in northeast Nebraska in 1939.   In 1988, the State of Nebraska enacted transportation policy to prioritize the connection of each major Nebraska community to an interstate system via a four-lane highway.  Highway 275’s 45 miles of two-lane road remain one of the few unfinished segments within the 600-mile statewide expressway system.