Arboretum to Midtown Transmission Project

As part of its investment in infrastructure, OPPD is improving and expanding its transmission system to support growth and development in midtown Omaha.

The Arboretum to Midtown Transmission Line Project will include rebuilding up to seven miles of transmission line, depending on our final route, and roughly 2.5 miles of new transmission construction. OPPD will work on the project in two key segments:

Segment 1 - Arboretum to Midtown Transmission Line: OPPD will rebuild roughly five miles of existing transmission line from the OPPD Arboretum, located near 108th and Blondo streets, to 72nd and Pacific streets. Additionally, OPPD will build a new half-mile line on Pacific from 72nd to 66th and rebuild roughly two miles of existing transmission line from 66th to Saddle Creek Road and Leavenworth Street.

Segment 2 - Aksarben to Midtown Transmission Line: OPPD will build roughly two miles of new 161-kV transmission line from 72nd and Pine streets to Saddle Creek Road and Leavenworth Street.

This project enables OPPD to provide an additional transmission feed to the urban core, creating resilience and reliability as demand grows.

Project Study Area

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Routing, Siting and Public Involvement Process

OPPD uses a routing, siting and public involvement process to determine where to place rebuilt and new transmission lines. During this process, OPPD considers stakeholder feedback in addition to carefully evaluating environmental, engineering and community concerns. Click here to learn more about the specific criteria. Important considerations include:

Minimizing the number of private properties affected.
Maximizing distance from homes, parks, schools, and other sensitive areas.
Incorporating public input gathered through open houses, meetings, hotline calls, and comments.

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Phase 2: Engagement

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OPPD hosted an in-person public open house for Segment 2: the Aksarben to Midtown transmission line. The open house was held to share preferred and alternative route segment options and gather input to help determine the final transmission line route. The open house was held on July 23, 2026, from 4–7 p.m. at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska.

In addition, a self-guided virtual open house was available from July 1 through August 1, 2026. The virtual format provided the same information and input opportunities as the in-person event.

OPPD is considering all feedback received, along with other routing and siting criteria, to develop the final route for segment 2. The final route is expected to be announced in October 2026.

Materials from the July 23 in-person open house are available below:

Phase 1: Engagement

OPPD hosted two in-person public open houses to share project information and gather community input. The open houses were held on April 14 and April 15, 2026, from 4–7 p.m. at Catalyst Omaha and the Thompson Alumni Center, respectively.

In addition, a self-guided virtual open house was available from April 1 through May 1, 2026. The virtual format provided the same project information and input opportunities as the in-person events.

We considered this feedback and other routing and siting criteria to develop potential route options for segment 2, and right of way activities for segment 1 have begun.

Materials from the in-person open houses are available below:

Stay In Touch

As a public power utility, OPPD is committed to engaging customers on upcoming projects and being transparent about potential impacts on their areas. If you have questions about this project, you may call the project information line at 531-242-6926 or use the Questions tool below.