HASTINGS, Neb. – The city of Hastings has the green light to begin the next steps in expanding its largest city walking and biking trail.

According to a news release, the Federal Highway Administration completed its environmental review and approved plans for an extension to the Pioneer Spirit Trail.

The approval of Phase 4A, which will extend the Pioneer Spirit Trail into South Hastings, was needed to receive grant funding and continue work on the project.

Hastings received $250,000 in 2024 from Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s grant providing funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP).

Including the $250,000 in grant funding, total costs for Phase 4A are currently estimated to be about $3 million. Other funds for the project will come from the City of Hastings’ half-cent sales tax collections.

The City of Hastings is planning to construct an 8-10 foot-wide concrete trail through South Hastings from First Street and Colorado Avenue, where the city’s paved trail system currently ends, and going about 2.65 miles to connect to Carter Park, Lincoln Elementary School and Brickyard Park.

The change narrows a portion of E Street from 36 feet to 28 feet, and provides for an 8-foot-wide trail and 2-foot-wide stamp section along the street curb to provide separation between traffic and trail users. The change also removes parking along portions of E Street.

A trail expansion through South Hastings has been a priority of First Ward council members for a long time. It was identified as a need in the city's 2018/2019 walkability study.

The connected trail upon completion of the project would total about 12.5 miles. Total constructed trail upon completion of project would total more than 15 miles.

Phase 4A would be bid out in late spring 2025. Construction is anticipated to begin in summer or fall of 2025 and be completed in 2026.

The currently constructed trail is primarily on the north side of town by Lake Hastings, and stretches to the eastern and western edges of town. 

  City of Hastings