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 has decided to install an updated intersection design that will convert the current five-way signalized intersection into a simplified street design. This project includes new sidewalks and pedestrian connections, improved safety by reducing potential vehicle conflict points, reduced driver delay, additional capacity to serve more vehicles, drainage improvements, traffic signal improvements, and trail crossing improvements.

• Increase safety for all users
• Improve traffic flow: move more cars, in less time, through this area
• Accommodate area growth and business access
• 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 by reducing potential vehicle conflict points
• 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 be complete 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. In 2021, the City met with stakeholders regarding updates to the plan. 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 does. In addition, this intersection has been identified as needing safety improvements for drivers and multi-modal users to avoid potential future crashes and driver delays during rush hour periods. 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 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 their useful life and need replaced. The updated intersection design saves taxpayers money, serves all transportation system users, and will accommodate growth.

The updated intersection design is a financially feasible option for the City of Lincoln. The project is estimated to cost $26.4 million. This includes design, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and contingencies.

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

LTU has allocated approximately $11.9 million to this project and intends to program an additional $14.5 million in future years.

While project efforts are still in the early stages of design, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities 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 updated intersection design will cost an estimated $26.4 million. An elevated roundabout design would cost nearly twice as much at 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 a high Level of Service (a description of traffic flow and operating conditions) and can be expanded to provide additional capacity if/when it’s needed in the future.
• An elevated roundabout provides 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.