NORFOLK, Neb. — The final phase of a major construction project is now underway. 

The Highway 275 project has been in progress for more than 15 years and now officials say the four-lane roadway from Norfolk to Omaha is expected be fully open by 2028.

Graham Construction was awarded the contract for the final section of the project, which runs from Wisner to West Point.

Gov. Jim Pillen approved the use of bond financing for the project in 2023, saying the funding helped accelerate completion.

"It's going to have a big impact in all the communities from Norfolk to Omaha are growing, it's going to be a great impact for more young people coming back, because when you can travel on four-lane roads it's quicker, it's faster, it's more efficient, it just enhances another key piece of their life in rural Nebraska." said Pillen.

A Project Manager with the Nebraska department of Transportation said there should be minimal disruptions for the 15 miles section of highway.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring and completed by the end of 2028 alongside the two other sections still in construction.