By Sean Keating, OMAHA, Neb. — A massive sinkhole on 16th Street in downtown Omaha has remained unrepaired for three months, forcing pedestrians into traffic and resulting in injuries from unexpected falls. This hazard underscores a broader issue—the city’s aging infrastructure.
On March 25, the American Society of Civil Engineers released its highly anticipated 2025 Infrastructure Report Card. The United States received an overall grade of C, marking the nation’s highest rating ever, largely attributed to President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Despite some improvements, critical systems remain dangerously close to failure.
A National Problem, an Omaha Reality
Steven Moffitt, vice president and civil engineer at HGM Associates, said Omaha’s infrastructure mirrors national challenges. According to Moffit, much of the city’s current problems trace back to infrastructure built in the mid-20th century.
“There was such a build-out in the 1950s and 1960s of the interstate,” Moffitt said. “Those bridges and roads are 70 to 80 years old. That’s beyond the lifespan they were originally designed for.”
One stark example is the 36th and L Street bridge, which has visibly deteriorated over recent years. According to the ASCE report, Nebraska’s bridges are particularly concerning, with about 7.9% classified as structurally deficient—higher than the national average of 6.8%.
Roads in Crisis
Nationally, roads earned a D+ grade from ASCE, reflecting only modest improvements from the D rating in 2021. Roughly 39% of major roadways nationwide remain in poor or mediocre condition, costing the average American driver about $1,400 per year in vehicle repairs and lost productivity. In Nebraska, roads fare even worse—additional expenses amount to about $461 annually, exacerbating financial strain on families and businesses.
Local activist Steven Eytalis criticized state and federal leaders, accusing politicians of failing to prioritize infrastructure needs adequately.
“Omaha has made a terrible mistake,” Eytalis said. “I don’t think the governor is helping. I don’t think the former governor helped, and the president isn’t helping either.”
Federal Funding Brings Hope, but Challenges Persist
Nebraska has secured substantial federal support—about $3.2 billion through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These funds are earmarked for more than 600 statewide infrastructure projects. Approximately 65% of this federal investment is dedicated to transportation infrastructure, with another 10% directed toward clean water projects.
Despite promising allocations, Omaha and Nebraska still face significant funding gaps. ASCE estimates Nebraska suffers a $150 million annual shortfall in necessary infrastructure investments.
Mixed Results Across Infrastructure Categories
According to the 2025 ASCE report card, infrastructure categories nationwide varied widely:
- Bridges: Maintained a steady C grade, indicating continued but insufficient maintenance nationwide.
- Roads: Improved slightly from D to D+, but still cause substantial economic impacts.
- Drinking Water: Held steady at C-, highlighting urgent investment needs.
- Energy: Declined from C- to D+, revealing growing vulnerabilities.
- Public Transit: Improved slightly from D- to D, due to recent federal investments, though severe challenges remain.
Infrastructure Risks Affecting Daily Life
For Omaha residents, infrastructure issues translate directly into daily frustrations, longer commutes, and increased risks. Incidents like the sinkhole on 16th Street endanger public safety and symbolize deeper problems: aging roads and bridges struggling to cope with modern demands.
Residents and local leaders acknowledge the need for swift, coordinated action. Yet the process is hampered by political gridlock and budgetary constraints, raising fears that meaningful improvements may be slow or incomplete.
Looking Ahead
To genuinely address Omaha’s infrastructure crisis, experts like Moffitt urge sustained investment and proactive maintenance rather than reactive patchwork repairs. Community advocates, including Eytalis, continue calling for greater accountability and leadership from local and national politicians.
As Omaha faces critical infrastructure decisions, residents and officials alike must navigate complex political and financial landscapes. Without timely interventions, the city’s infrastructure problems threaten public safety, economic vitality, and overall quality of life.
