Drivers traveling through north central Nebraska will soon notice new highway signs as the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT)prepares to renumber portions of U.S. Highway 183 and Nebraska Highway 7 beginning on August 10, 2026.
The Change will restore the highways to their original 1966 route numbers, following years of requests from area residents and approval from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Committee on route numbering in 2025.
Under the change, Nebraska Highway 7 north of Bassett will become U.S. Highway 183, while the current U.S. Highway 183 will become Nebraska Highway 7. The renumbering affects approximately 40 miles of highway in Brown, Rock and Keya Paha counties, including portions near Ainsworth, Bassett and Springview.
Mark Kovar with the Nebraska Department of Transportation said highway renumbering is relatively uncommon. He mentioned another recent renumbering project for the construction of the Lincoln South Beltway, when Highway 2 was rerouted onto the new beltway and the former route became Nebraska Parkway.
The upcoming change stems from a decision made six decades ago. In the mid-1960s, two single lane bridges crossed the Niobrara River along the two highways. When the bridge on what is now U.S. Highway 183 was replaced with a wider two lane concrete bridge, officials redesignated that route as the U.S. highway.
For several years, residents from the Bassett and Springview areas asked the Nebraska Highway Commission to restore the original route numbers.
Recent resurfacing work along Nebraska Highway 7 made the renumbering possible. NDOT said the change also shortens U.S. Highway 183 and eliminates an overlapping highway designation.
Drivers should not expect traffic delays during the transition. It will just be a replacement of the signs that have the new highway numbering. NDOT plans to complete the work in one day using three sign crews.
In addition to replacing highway signs, department staff have been coordinating with digital mapping providers, including Google Maps and Apple Maps, to update navigation systems.
NDOT said property owners and residents affected by the renumbering will receive letters with additional information. Motorists are reminded to use caution in work zones, buckle up and avoid distractions while driving.
