World War II brought highway construction to a stand still in most of the country, however for national security purposes, the War Department and the Public Roads Administration identified a system of highways throughout the nation which was crucial for military purposes. This Strategic Network of Highways included US 75, US 30A, US 30, US 81, US 275 and US 281 in Nebraska. In 1941 the first four-lane divided highway was completed along US 73/75 from Omaha south to Fort Crook.