NDOT Awards Pre-Construction Contract for Red Cloud South Bridge
Feb. 13, 2026 (Grand Island, Neb.) — Today, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) announced the award of its second alternate delivery contract. A pre-construction services contract has been awarded to PCL Civil Constructors, Inc. as part of its plan to replace the Red Cloud Bridge. The bridge, located in Webster County along U.S. Highway 281 (US-281), was originally built in 1935 and has served as a key highway crossing over the Republican River.
The announcement of the Red Cloud South Bridge Project contract is significant as the project utilizes the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) collaborative delivery process. This contract helps further the Pillen Administration’s commitment to modernize Nebraska’s infrastructure through innovative, fiscally responsible practices. The CM/GC method is designed to leverage construction experience to identify and mitigate risks, while improving cost and schedule certainty.
“Replacing the Red Cloud South Bridge is an important step in maintaining safe and reliable highways for Southern Nebraska communities,” said NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. “By utilizing CM/GC, the NDOT can benefit from early contractor engagement, identify risks sooner, and deliver on budget and on schedule, streamlining the project to keep Nebraskans connected.”
In addition to the replacement of the Red Cloud Bridge along US-281, the project may also include the reconstruction of the roadway for a short distance north and south of the bridge to accommodate any new alignment. Traffic will be maintained for the duration of the project, minimizing disruptions for residents and travelers.
This is the second CM/GC contract awarded by NDOT in recent months. In October, Hawkins Construction Co. received the pre-construction service contract to replace the aging Dodge Street/Saddle Creek Road Overpass in Omaha’s Midtown area.
Under the CM/GC approach, NDOT executes two contracts. The first, with a designer to create the plans, and a second contract with a CM/GC contractor to perform preconstruction services and build the project.
The Red Cloud South Bridge project is funded in part with federal funds. An anticipated construction schedule and specific impacts to traffic will be announced as the project progresses through the pre-construction phase.