NDOT opens new command center for Nebraska highways

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Gov. Pete Ricketts and the Nebraska Department of Transportation on Tuesday opened the new State Operations Center in Omaha.

This spring, NDOT’s State Operations Center and the department’s District 2 Operations Center merged to create one centralized command center.

There, workers will monitor and operate the state highway network.

According to a press release from Ricketts, the merging of the two centers will improve efficiency and consistency across the state and provide better management of the entire system.

“As we look towards the future of transportation, we know effective management of the system is key,” NDOT Director John Selmer said.  “Today, we celebrate our teammates whose work is vital to ensuring people reach their destination each and every day with minimal disruption.  I’m proud to be part of a team that take such pride in their work, regardless of the day or night.”

Since being established over 20 years ago, the State Operations Center has gone through significant change.

Back then, one person took calls and updated the 511 system while relying on teammates in each of NDOT’s eight districts to do the same.

Initially, the centers did not operate on a full-time basis but would activate only for major events or incidents.

As traffic throughout Nebraska has increased, oversight of the roadways has also increased to ensure drivers’ safety.

“The State Operations Center’s number one goal and priority is to provide the most accurate and timely information to the traveling public through our 511 system as well as through social media posts and other public outreach,” said Jessica Sherwood, manager of the State Operations Center.