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Hwy 370 to be 'smartest' corridor in Nebraska

Hwy 370 to be 'smartest' corridor in Nebraska
Posted at 4:28 PM, Jul 05, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-05 17:28:43-04

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Thursday the state will invest a record-setting $600 million in transportation infrastructure.

The budget is for fiscal year 2019. The plans include changes to the 192nd and Dodge interchange and new asphalt on West Maple Road.

Papillion will see new technology.

Mayor David Black says changes to Highway 370 could bring big business.

"We've got corporate headquarters now locating in Papillion because they need the Omaha work force and the Lincoln work force and this corridor is right in the middle of it," he said.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation identified the highway as a good pilot for new technology that will be able to communicate with smart cars.

"With this being a smart corridor, that's technology in the road system," Black said. "Not only is it a simple thing like the lights are working better so it helps with traffic, but you've actually got vehicles communicating with the road."

Tt will work with cameras and traffic signals, working to improve traffic flow and safety, according NEDOT director Kyle Schneweis.

"Technology in transportation is changing and its changing fast with self-driving cars and connected vehicles that can allow the infrastructure to actually talk to the vehicles," he said. "And it's important because it can improve safety and mobility and communications for folks."

Mayor black says the new tech is exciting and the city could be looking to get in on the action with an autonomous vehicle of its own.

"We've actually had that conversation so this could start enabling some of that," he said.