A rendering of the 33rd and Cornhusker improvement project. (Courtesy of the City of Lincoln/LTU)LINCOLN–(KFOR Jan. 14)–After nearly a decade in the works, a big step was taken Tuesday toward a nearly $120-million railroad crossing and safety improvement project in north Lincoln, which would eliminate railroad crossings points. The 33rd and Cornhusker Intersection Improvement Project received a nearly $67-million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration toward funding for the improvements. Mayor Leirion Gaylor-Baird said that’s the largest competitive grant in both the city and Lancaster County’s history, and makes up 58% of the remaining cost. The rest of the money is coming from the Nebraska Department of Transportation, BNSF Railway, the RTSD and the City of Lincoln, which is getting its funding from the Lincoln on the Move sales tax. That street sales tax is set to expire in September, but the city is trying to get it on the April 8 primary ballot. Both crossings are among the most dangerous in the state, contributing to 20 crashes with six deaths since 1988. “We can confidently say this project will save lives and prevent multiple points of conflict for potential crashes,” said Roger Figard, executive director of Lincoln’s Railroad Transportation and Safety District. The 33rd and Cornhusker project remains in the planning stages and includes roundabouts at 33rd and Huntington and one where Adams Street will move off and be reconnected with 33rd Street. Construction is expected to begin in 2028 and be done by 2031.