Pine Lake from 14th to 32nd

This street improvement project will enhance pavement conditions and infrastructure along Pine Lake Road from 14th to 32nd streets. The project includes:

• Concrete repair or replacement in the eastbound lanes
• Median surfacing
• Storm inlet reconstruction
• Pavement markings
• Additional work with other funding sources includes upgrades to the existing curb ramps meet federal and local standards and possible pedestrian push button upgrades.

Street improvements are scheduled to begin in May and be completed by summer 2026 or earlier.

The total project cost estimate is $4 million. $3.7 million will be funded by the Lincoln on the Move ¼ cent sales tax, and $372,000 will be funded from the Highway Allocation Funds.

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) encourages drivers to plan for slower-moving traffic through the extent of the improvement project. Drivers can expect street improvements to be completed under lane closures and/or traffic shifts through the project. Pine Lake Road from 27th to 29th streets will have a full closure of the eastbound lanes in the month of May to completely rebuild this section of street. The full closure is necessary to shorten the timeframe of construction in this high-traffic area and maintain safety for drivers, pedestrians, and workers. Sidewalk closures will be necessary for curb ramp reconstruction. To assist with traffic delays, LTU encourages community members to download the free WAZE app to assist with maneuvering around construction in Lincoln.

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities is conducting construction in phases to increase conveniences for the community and minimize construction impacts. The traveling public is encouraged to find alternative routes and to download the WAZE to assist with redirecting around construction.

There may be times when the most direct entrance into a business will be temporarily disrupted by the construction work. Alternate access points will be maintained and marked with temporary traffic control and signs that read “Open to Local Businesses.”

Construction progress will be updated on this web page (lincoln.ne.gov, search: “Pine Lake”). The contractor will be in contact with business owners and residents if direct access to their property is interrupted.

Alternate routes and changes in traffic flow will be marked with temporary traffic control devices. For a full list of street closures, go to lincoln.ne.gov/Closures.

Businesses can find an informative guide by visiting the following website: lincoln.ne.gov/CopingWithConstruction

Fully closing Pine Lake Road from 27th to 29th streets in May 2025 is a part of a phasing plan to enable the contractor to complete this section of street more quickly. Once this section of street is completed, the contractor will focus on improving the westbound lanes closer to Scott Middle School, Southwest High School, and Adams Elementary School with an effort to complete these repairs during the summer break before the new school year begins in August 2025. This will assist with reducing construction impacts during the 2025/26 school year.

Access to Scott Middle School and Southwest High School will remain the same, but with one-lane of traffic moving in both directions. Access to Adams Elementary School from Helen Witt Drive may at times be limited. Lincoln Transportation and Utilities will communicate these times to the school throughout the project. LTU is in communication with all schools in the area.

When driving through work zones, you should slow down, maintain a safe following distance, obey all signs and flaggers, and be prepared for unexpected changes in traffic patterns and road conditions. Discussing careful driving habits and educating them on temporary traffic control may also be beneficial. There are several informative websites that can be beneficial to teen drivers.

• Work Zones Safety Tips (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
• Young Drivers National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The traffic signal arms were damaged in the March 2025 blizzard with 70 mph winds. Replacements have been ordered and are expected to be delivered and installation complete by the end of 2025.

An eastbound Pine Lake Road to southbound 27th street right-turn lane is not part of the project. The addition of a turn lane would require additional traffic signal modifications, Right of Way acquisition, and funding. These changes did not fit within the project budget or meet the intention of the existing street improvement project.