South 14th Street, Old Cheney Road and Warlick Boulevard

The City of Lincoln conducted a full analysis of all types of street configurations for the South 14th Street and Warlick Boulevard intersection. The City is moving forward with an updated intersection design that will convert the current five-way signalized intersection into a simplified configuration. The at-grade intersection would serve Warlick Boulevard to the southwest, South 14th Street to the north and south, and Old Cheney Road to the east. A section of Old Cheney Road would be removed between the existing connection to Warlick Boulevard and Salt Valley View. A new three-lane connector roadway is proposed between Old Cheney Road and Warlick Boulevard on the southwest side of Christ Place Church.

• Increase safety for all users
• Improve traffic flow: move more cars, in less time, through this area
• Accommodate area growth and business access
• Improve the sidewalk and trail network
• Meet updated stormwater and drainage requirements
• Provide a functional, cost-effective solution that serves Lincoln now and into the future

Intersections are a critical component of Lincoln’s transportation network. This is where motorists, bicycles, transit, and pedestrians all converge. The updated design will feature a variety of enhancements including:

• A simplified configuration
• New sidewalks and pedestrian connections
• Improved safety
• Reduced driver delay
• Additional capacity to serve more vehicles
• Drainage improvements
• Traffic signal improvements
• Trail crossing improvements

The City is currently in the design phase of the project. Construction is expected to begin in 2023 and completed in 2025. Dates are subject to change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances.

Public involvement has been a key project component since 2012. The City of Lincoln met with project area stakeholders and held public open house meetings to help the City identify community priorities and goals for the project. The City is committed to providing information and opportunities for public input throughout the design and construction process.

There is a growing need to expand the capacity of the intersection to serve more vehicles than it currently accommodates. This southwest portion of the City continues to see significant growth and development. Also, this intersection has been identified as needing safety improvements for drivers and multi-modal users to avoid potential future crashes and decrease driver delays during rush hour periods. Additionally, the pavement on Warlick Boulevard and South 14th Street to the north has served the traveling public well beyond their useful life and need replaced. There is a need to create a cost-effective configuration that satisfies the LTU’s safety and operational criteria, while addressing the concerns of stakeholders and those impacted directly by reconstruction of the intersections.

In 2013, the City provided lane re-striping, enhanced signage, and updates to traffic signal timing. These efforts provided short-term relief and offered an opportunity for the City to continue to evaluate and determine a functional, cost-effective, long-term solution.

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) has a responsibility to the public to increase safety and vehicle capacity at this location. Pavement improvements and traffic signals have served the traveling public well beyond its useful life and need replaced. The updated intersection design saves taxpayers money, serves all transportation system users, and will accommodate growth.

The improvement project is part of the City’s Capital Improvement Program that is funded by a variety of sources including:

• Highway allocation funds
• Street Improvement Vehicle Tax (wheel tax)
• Impact fees

The updated intersection design is a financially feasible option for the City of Lincoln. The project cost is estimated to be $29.3 million. Final cost will be dependent upon economic conditions at the time of bidding. This includes design, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and contingencies.

While project efforts are still in the early stages of design, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) is committed to solutions that benefit the entire community. As design progresses, stakeholders and the public will be provided with opportunities to learn about construction and potential impacts. Those with questions or comments are encouraged to contact Senior Design Engineer, Danielle Vachal at 531-289-8211, or email her at dvachal@lincoln.ne.gov for location-specific details.

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) has continued to acquire available right-of-way near the project over the years. Minimizing right-of-way acquisition is a priority for the City and its partners. Properties that will have permanent or temporary right-of-way impacts will be contacted during the design process.

Yes. Travel through the area will be maintained throughout construction. Drivers should expect reduced lanes and may want to consider alternate routes. Access to businesses and neighborhoods will be maintained at all times.

Yes. The City is currently evaluating trail connectivity.

Access during construction and phasing will be coordinated with first responder agencies to reduce any impacts to response times.

An updated intersection design offers similar benefits, conveniences, and long-lasting solutions as an elevated roundabout design for Lincoln drivers. Both designs improve traffic flow and safety. Key differences include construction duration/time, cost, and capacity projections – or how long the design will serve traffic volumes into the future.

Construction

• The updated intersection design will take less time to construct and can be accomplished with a more traditional phasing approach.

Cost

• The project cost is estimated to be $29.3 million. Final cost will be dependent upon economic conditions at the time of bidding. An elevated roundabout design would cost an estimated $44.6 million.

Capacity

• Both intersection types provide sufficient capacity to safely accommodate anticipated future year traffic volumes.
• The updated intersection design offers an acceptable Level of Service (a description of traffic flow and operating conditions) and can be expanded to provide additional capacity if/when it is needed in the future.
• An elevated roundabout could provide a higher Level of Service (a description of traffic flow and operating conditions) than the updated intersection design but has limited opportunities to be expanded in the future.