Omaha, Neb. – For many people, road construction can feel like an inconvenience: a detour, a delay, another orange cone in the way. But behind every resurfaced highway or rehabilitated bridge, there’s a story of how transportation improvements enhance safety, extend infrastructure lifespan, and make daily commutes smoother for entire communities. At Schemmer, we understand the vital role that Resurfacing, Restoration, and Rehabilitation (3R) projects play in preserving roadways while being cost-effective for taxpayers.

Preserving Roads, Protecting Resources

Unlike full roadway reconstructions, which can be expensive and time-consuming, 3R projects maximize existing infrastructure, minimizing costs while extending the life of roads and bridges.

“You maximize your existing resources. So you add to or reuse, that type of stuff. They generally don’t cost as much, so they save taxpayer dollars.”
– Adam Sleeper, NDOT – Transportation Leader.

By focusing on targeted improvements such as repaving, widening lanes, and enhancing clear zones, 3R projects help keep roads in working condition while making them safer and more efficient for drivers.

How 3R Projects Make Roads Safer

Safety is at the core of every 3R project, and Schemmer has overseen numerous projects that improve highways and bridges to meet modern safety standards. Many of these upgrades involve horizontal clearance adjustments, clear zone improvements, and barrier rail modifications—changes that reduce the likelihood of severe crashes by removing roadside hazards.

NDOT Snyder East Project

One example of a successful 3R project is the NDOT Highway N-91, Snyder East project in Dodge County, Nebraska. This 4.34-mile improvement effort began just east of the Village of Snyder and extended to the junction of N-91 and US 275.

 

This project was more than just a simple resurfacing—it was a comprehensive upgrade to enhance roadway safety and accessibility. The improvements included:

• Milling and resurfacing the urban roadway with asphalt
• A grade raise to improve roadway conditions
• Bridge rehabilitation, including an epoxy deck overlay, replacement of expansion joints, and sealing of concrete rails
• Culvert extensions and headwall replacements to improve drainage
• Guardrail replacement for enhanced roadside safety
• Erosion control curb and flume analysis to prevent water damage
• ADA curb ramps to improve accessibility for all travelers

By making these upgrades, the NDOT Snyder East project not only improved driving conditions but also ensured that the roadway meets modern safety and accessibility standards for years to come.

A Community-Focused and Environmentally Friendly Approach to Infrastructure

Schemmer’s involvement in 3R projects extends beyond just construction. We work closely with state and local agencies to ensure these improvements align with community needs. Our collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) involves thorough hydraulic analysis, floodplain certification, and compliance with the Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards (NBCS).

One of the most significant advantages of 3R projects is their lower environmental impact compared to full roadway reconstruction. By focusing on improving existing infrastructure rather than building from scratch, these projects help reduce construction-related emissions, material waste, and disruptions to natural habitats.

Sustainability in Action

At Schemmer, we integrate sustainable engineering practices into our 3R projects, helping protect the environment while maintaining infrastructure integrity. Some key ways 3R projects minimize environmental impact include:

• Reducing material waste by resurfacing instead of full reconstruction, cutting down on the need for new raw materials
• Lowering emissions by limiting heavy machinery use and decreasing hauling distances for materials
• Minimizing land disturbance, helping preserve wetlands, floodplains, and native vegetation
• Enhancing stormwater management by improving drainage systems and reducing roadway runoff into nearby ecosystems
• Meeting FEMA and USACE standards to prevent unintended impacts on floodplains and waterways

Highway N-79 Agnew North and South

Another example of Schemmer’s expertise in transportation engineering is the Highway N-79 Agnew North and South project. Covering 8.46 miles in Saunders County, this project resurfaced the roadway and added eight-foot shoulders to upgrade it to minimum design standards. The improvements also included:

• 0.5-inch milling and a five-inch asphalt overlay for a smoother, longer-lasting pavement surface
• Reconstruction of key segments, particularly in areas with bridge replacements
• Replacement of functionally obsolete bridges over Wagon Tongue Creek and North Oak Creek
• Extension or replacement of 30 roadway culverts to improve drainage and prevent erosion
• Guardrail removal and replacement, ensuring safer roadside conditions

 

Beyond the roadway, Schemmer’s expertise in hydraulic engineering played a critical role in this project. Nearly five miles of the Oak Creek floodplain abutted the embankment widening, requiring Schemmer to certify that all modifications met FEMA rise requirements. Given the tight project timeline, a traditional HEC-RAS model wasn’t feasible, so our team leveraged LiDAR and survey data to develop normal-depth calculations consistent with FEMA’s Flood Insurance Study.

Schemmer also worked closely with NDOT’s Bridge Division to develop detailed construction plans for complex double broken-back box culverts on new alignment. This involved energy dissipation (HEC-14) modeling, 3D earthwork excavation models, and successful coordination with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). These advanced engineering solutions ensured the project not only met safety standards but also effectively managed floodplain impacts.

Efficient, Cost-Effective, and Community-Driven

Every 3R project Schemmer takes on is an investment in the safety, longevity, and efficiency of our transportation network. These projects not only make travel safer and more reliable but also save taxpayer dollars by preserving infrastructure rather than replacing it entirely.

At the same time, 3R projects reduce environmental impact, making them a sustainable and responsible choice for roadway improvements. By maintaining a balance between cost-effectiveness and roadway enhancements, Schemmer continues to support communities with solutions that work today while planning for the future. The roads we drive on may be built with asphalt and concrete, but the real foundation is smart engineering and a commitment to public safety.

Want to learn more about how Schemmer is making a difference through transportation engineering? Contact us today to see how our expertise can help your next project.

SCHEMMER – DESIGN WITH PURPOSE. BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE.

At Schemmer, we believe that great design goes beyond structures, it strengthens communities. As a full-service architecture, engineering, and construction field services consultant, we deliver innovative solutions that enhance the built environment and improve lives.

Since 1959, we have been shaping the future while honoring our legacy. With eight offices across five states in the Midwest, our expertise reaches coast-to-coast, bringing thoughtful, sustainable, and impactful solutions to every project.

Our Comprehensive Services:

• Architecture
• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Site/Civil Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
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• Surveying
• Interior Design
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Field Services

At Schemmer, we don’t just design—we create lasting impact. Let’s design a better future together.

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