GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — State and local leaders gathered Monday to celebrate the completion of a major highway project west of Grand Island.

The nearly $50 million expansion widens U.S. Highway 30 to a four-lane expressway which is a project officials say will improve safety, mobility, and economic growth for the region.

Construction began in April 2024, with crews from Werner Construction moving more than 800,000 cubic yards of dirt and pouring more than 60,000 cubic yards of concrete. The company completed the project with zero lost-time accidents.

“This project was years in the making," said Mayor Roger Steele. “It’s a big step forward not only for this community, but for the continued growth of Grand Island."

The project also realigned North Road and Stolley Park Road to connect more safely with the new expressway, improving access for residents and freight traffic traveling through central Nebraska.

“This is what matters to the department — making a difference in communities, improving safety, and delivering economic impact,” said Vicki Kramer. “We’re proud to be part of it and look forward to delivering more projects like this.”

The project stretches nearly four miles and represents one of Nebraska’s largest infrastructure investments in recent years.

Additional expansion plans are already being discussed between Grand Island and Kearney.

The new expressway is set to open to drivers Wednesday.