With the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having, we’ve all been itching to get out on the limestone trails. It’s been too soft in shady areas, except for fat tired bikes, so remember: if you sink, think! You don’t want to contribute to creating ruts. Many areas are fine, though. If you’ve been wondering about the latest news from the LPSNRD on the MoPac East, this came out last week:
“The LPSNRD continues planning the MoPac East Trail Extension, which will span approximately 2.25 miles east from the Wabash Trailhead to 346th and Alvo Road along the District-owned former rail corridor. At its Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m. meeting, the MoPac East–Lied Connector Subcommittee will consider approving an amendment to the professional services agreement with JEO Consulting Group for the MoPac East Connector Trail project.
The amendment updates the project scope to support final design completion, bidding assistance, construction administration, and continued planning and coordination. If supported by the Subcommittee, the amendment will be recommended to the LPSNRD Board of Directors for formal consideration and approval at its February 18, 2026 meeting.
In addition, the LPSNRD staff will present a project update and report on legislative discussions regarding the State-appropriated MoPac funds.
In late January, the project team hosted a 90% design review meeting. LPSNRD anticipates advertising for construction bids in mid to late February, with construction potentially beginning as early as summer, pending final approvals.
Coordination with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) and other project partners continues.
LPSNRD Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, February 18 – 5:30 PM
3125 Portia Street, Lincoln NE
The LPSNRD Board previously approved tree clearing along the District-owned former rail corridor in preparation for the MoPac East Trail Extension.
Nebraska Digging Services of Cass County was authorized to complete clearing along the eastern mile of the corridor, with LPSNRD staff completing work along the western mile.
Crews are expected to be in the area within the next few weeks to complete this work. For safety reasons, please do not approach crews while work is underway. If you have questions during field operations, please contact Brianna Lock with JEO Consulting Group at (402) 392-9925 or [email protected].”
If you recall, the reason for the current setback stems from a vote from the Cass County Commissioners. The following is from the Nebraska Trails Foundation.
“In 2024, LPSNRD completed a Route Study with multiple public meetings in Cass County, distributing progress reports throughout the year.
At the final public meeting in September, “Alignment D” (along 334th Street), was presented as the recommended route.
At the November Cass County Commissioners meeting, the body voted to approve the agreement with LPSNRD to pursue the Design phase of the project using Alignment D.
A lawsuit was filed in District Court regarding the interlocal agreement between LPSNRD and Cass County.
On March 25th the Cass County Board of Commissioners voted to rescind the endorsement of “Alignment D” as the selected route, and will discuss the route options further with LPSNRD.
On May 6th, the Cass County Board of Commissioners voted to create a subcommittee of Commissioner DeGarmo and Commissioner Murdoch to further study the issue.
No further public action has been taken.”