Understanding Neighborhood Construction

As construction projects unfold in your neighborhood, we want to keep you informed on what to expect, how to stay updated, and the improvements that will enhance our community. Your understanding and support during construction is important.

PDF Version PDF (, 0B)

What to Expect

When construction begins on a residential street, plan for a temporary closure where vehicles may need to find an alternative area to park. Look for signs that say "Temporary No Parking" on residential streets to know when construction will begin. Emergency access will always be maintained. Local access will be maintained as much as possible for residents in the areas where work is happening.


Flyer Notices and Scheduling

When a residential street improvement project is about to begin, team members or associated representatives place flyers on the front doors of individual properties in the designated project area.

The flyers communicate what the project is, the location where construction will begin, and inform residents that a project manager's contact information will be provided on door hangers at a later date.


For more information on Lincoln Transportation and Utilities projects, visit lincoln.ne.gov/projects

Underground Utility Markings

Paint marks and flags will be placed within the City Right of Way and/or on streets and sidewalks. These color-coded markings provide essential information for construction contractors about underground utilities and planned street or sidewalk improvements. In most cases, the paint marks indicate the following:

  • WHITE Area of Proposed Excavation
  • PINK Temporary Survey Markings
  • RED Electric
  • YELLOW Gas, Oil, Steam, Propane
  • ORANGE Communications, CATV, Fiber
  • BLUE Water
  • PURPLE Reclaimed Water, Irrigation
  • GREEN Sewer/Wastewater

What will construction in my neighborhood look like?

Sidewalks, Ramps,
Curb and Gutter Improvements

  • (, 0B) 1: Sidewalks may be ground down or removed in areas where repairs are needed or to ensure smooth transitions with surrounding surfaces.
  • (, 0B) 2: When repairing curbs, gutters, or sidewalks, adjacent approaches may also need replacement to ensure a consistent and safe surface.
  • (, 0B) 3: Homeowners have the option to make additional modifications to their driveways or curb cuts, but would need to cover the costs themselves.
  • (, 0B) 4: Since driveway work might be necessary, it could temporarily affect access to driveways. As a result, parking on nearby streets might be necessary during the construction period.
  • (, 0B) 5: Storm sewer inlets, manholes, valves, and utility boxes in the Right-of-Way may need adjustment or replacement as part of the infrastructure maintenance.
  • (, 0B) 6: After constructing or repairing ramps and curbs, the surrounding areas are graded, seeded, and sprinkler systems might be repaired or adjusted to ensure proper watering.

Street Improvements:
Mill and Overlay

  • (, 0B) 1: Watch for temporary no parking signs in your neighborhood. Residents are notified in advance to remove parked cars. Car(s) left on the street(s) on the day of scheduled work will be towed.
  • (, 0B) 2: The top layer of the street is removed by a milling machine. Any needed repairs to the underlying pavement surface are made. This is what a milled and ground asphalt surface looks like.
  • (, 0B) 3: A liquid asphalt tack is applied to bond the old and new pavements. This wet brown asphalt tack can adhere to vehicles. Exercise caution in residential areas if you see wet asphalt tack.
  • (, 0B) 4: Take care during construction. Hot asphalt (350 degrees F) and construction activity pose risks.
  • (, 0B) 5: Fresh asphalt must undergo rolling and vibration for compaction, creating a even and smooth finish.
  • (, 0B) 6: Final steps include adjusting wastewater and stormwater pipe manholes, as well as water valves within the street. These adjustments bring the manhole covers to the final grade of the street.

Watch the Mill and Overlay Process