Nebraska Interstate 80

Crossing Nebraska from West to East
Interstate 80 enters Nebraska near the Wyoming border, threading together prairie towns, river valleys, and contributor-ready storefronts from Kimball to Omaha. It’s the state’s busiest corridor—linking grain elevators, university cities, and courthouse squares across twelve counties.

As you travel east, I-80 passes through the Platte River valley, intersects historic trails, and connects dozens of communities. From the high plains of Kimball County to the Missouri River bluffs of Douglas County, this corridor carries the rhythm of Nebraska’s past and present.

Whether you’re visiting in person or browsing from afar, we invite you to use the Directory to explore every county and town page. The Directory is your gateway to Nebraska’s Interstate 80 corridor—past, present, and future.

Start your journey in Kimball County, or use the toggle below to explore each county along the route.

History of Interstate 80 in Nebraska
Interstate 80 was authorized in 1956 as part of the Federal-Aid Highway Act and became Nebraska’s primary east–west corridor. Construction began in the late 1950s and progressed county by county, with the final segment completed in 1974 near Sidney. Nebraska was the first state to complete its portion of I-80 from border to border.

The route follows the historic path of the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, and the Lincoln Highway—threading together river valleys, rail lines, and pioneer landmarks. It connects major cities like Kearney, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha, while also supporting dozens of smaller towns along its path.

Today, I-80 remains a vital corridor for commerce, travel, and community life—linking courthouse towns, contributor-ready storefronts, and generations of Nebraskans who live and work along its route.

Interstate 80 enters Nebraska near Kimball, the westernmost town along the corridor. From there, it heads east through Sidney, Chappell, and Cozad, threading together courthouse towns and contributor-ready storefronts.

The highway continues through Gothenburg and Kearney, where it intersects U.S. Highway 30 and the historic Lincoln Highway. East of Kearney, I-80 passes through Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha, linking university cities, river crossings, and contributor-ready districts.

Along the way, the corridor intersects major north–south routes including Highway 83, Highway 281, and Highway 77. It crosses the Platte River multiple times and parallels the Union Pacific rail line for much of its length.

Interstate 80 exits Nebraska at the Missouri River near Omaha, continuing east into Iowa. From Kimball to Omaha, this corridor connects twelve counties and dozens of towns—each with its own rhythm, history, and opportunity for contribution.

Want to help keep Interstate 80 alive?
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Kimball marks the western gateway to the corridor, where I-80 begins its journey across Nebraska. East of town, the highway threads through open prairie and rail lines, approaching Cheyenne County and the rolling farmland beyond.

Sidney marks a key junction in the corridor, where travelers can connect to U.S. Highway 385 and explore the region’s high plains heritage. East of town, I-80 continues through open farmland toward the Deuel County line, threading past grain elevators and windbreaks that line the prairie horizon.

Chappell marks the transition from the high plains into the Platte River valley. East of town, I-80 continues through open farmland and windbreaks, paralleling the Union Pacific rail line as it approaches Keith County.

Ogallala marks a key junction where I-80 intersects U.S. Highway 26 and Nebraska Highway 61. East of town, the corridor continues through rolling sandhills and irrigated farmland, paralleling the South Platte River as it approaches Lincoln County.

North Platte serves as a central hub for rail traffic and tourism, with links to Buffalo Bill’s ranch and the Platte River trails. East of town, I-80 continues through irrigated farmland and sandhills, approaching Dawson County and the heart of the Platte River valley.

East of Gothenburg, I-80 passes near Cozad, a town that straddles the 100th meridian and celebrates its place in Nebraska’s geographic center. The corridor continues through Lexington, a diverse community with strong agricultural roots and contributor-ready storefronts.

From Lexington, the highway follows the Platte River eastward toward Buffalo County, threading through irrigated farmland and rail lines that parallel the corridor.

Kearney marks a key junction where I-80 intersects U.S. Highway 30 and the historic Lincoln Highway. East of town, the corridor continues through irrigated farmland and rail lines, approaching Hall County and the Grand Island metro area.

Grand Island marks a key junction where I-80 intersects U.S. Highway 281 and Nebraska Highway 2. East of town, the corridor continues through farmland and river crossings, approaching Hamilton and York counties as it threads deeper into eastern Nebraska.

Aurora marks a quiet midpoint in the corridor, where I-80 threads through farmland and windbreaks before continuing east toward York County. The route remains close to the Platte River, paralleling rail lines and irrigation canals that define the region’s agricultural rhythm.

York marks a key crossroads in the corridor, linking north–south and east–west travelers. East of town, I-80 continues through gently rolling farmland and irrigation canals, approaching Seward County and the final stretch into the Lincoln metro area.

Seward marks the western edge of the Lincoln metro area. East of town, I-80 continues through suburban farmland and commuter corridors, approaching Lancaster County and the state’s capital city.

Lincoln marks a turning point in the corridor, where I-80 intersects U.S. Highway 77 and connects to the city’s vibrant downtown and state government center. East of Lincoln, the highway threads through suburban farmland and commuter routes, approaching Douglas County and the final stretch to the Missouri River.

Cass County marks the transition from rural farmland to the Omaha metro area. East of Plattsmouth, I-80 continues toward Sarpy County, threading commuter routes and scenic overlooks along the river bluffs.

Sarpy County serves as the southern gateway to Omaha. East of La Vista, I-80 enters Douglas County and begins its final stretch toward the Missouri River.

Interstate 80 enters Douglas County near Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city and eastern anchor of the corridor. The highway threads through industrial zones, rail yards, and riverfront neighborhoods before reaching the Missouri River.

Omaha marks the final junction in the corridor, where I-80 intersects U.S. Highway 75 and connects travelers to downtown districts, contributor-ready storefronts, and historic neighborhoods. East of Omaha, the highway crosses into Iowa, completing its journey across Nebraska.

Exiting Nebraska into Iowa
East of Omaha, Interstate 80 crosses the Missouri River and enters Iowa. This final stretch of the corridor threads through riverfront neighborhoods, rail yards, and contributor-ready storefronts before reaching the state line.

As you leave Nebraska, the land behind you holds courthouse towns, university cities, and quiet stretches of prairie. From Kimball to Omaha, I-80 carries the rhythm of Nebraska’s past and present—connecting generations of travelers, workers, and contributors who’ve shaped the corridor mile by mile.

Interstate 80 Corridor Wrap-Up
Thank you for exploring the Interstate 80 corridor. From the Wyoming border to the Missouri River, this route threads courthouse towns, university cities, and contributor-ready storefronts across twelve Nebraska counties.

Use the Directory to find places to eat, stay, and explore along the way.
Visit the Contribute page to submit updates, listings, or photos—every town matters.
Browse each County Module to explore local history, scenic routes, and contributor-ready town pages.
Start your journey in Kimball County, or use the toggle above to visit every town along the corridor.