This project is located at the intersection of the Rock Island Trail, a shared use path, and Old Cheney Road, a 4-lane arterial in the City of Lincoln. The existing trail is 10 feet wide concrete and the crossing includes an at-grade unsignalized crosswalk with a 14 foot long center refuge island. This project would include a minimum 10 foot wide trail undercrossing of Old Cheney Road in the general alignment of the existing trail and would include rebuilding connections to the existing trail and sidewalks which parallel Old Cheney Road on the north and south respectively. Temporary easements are anticipated.
The purpose of this project is to improve an alternative mode of transportation, enhance connectivity, and improve safety for trail users. This project is needed to improve an alternate mode of transportation, as an option to be less reliant on the use of motorized transportation, and to provide a safer crossing for bicycle and pedestrians by separating trail users from automobile traffic and meeting the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Rock Island Trail is one of the two most heavily used trails in Lincoln per the Lincoln Bike Plan (2019). The Lincoln Parks and Recreation 10-Year Facilities Plan (2023) categorizes this project as an ‘A Priority’. This trail project is also identified in the Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Long Range Transportation Plan (2021, and as amended) as a Funded/Committed Trail.
This project is receiving federal funding through the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP).
Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2027.
Phased lane closures along Old Cheney Road would be needed to construct the trail undercrossing.
Rock Island Trail would require a detour. Trail users would be detoured through project area via new connection ramps, existing sidewalk, and the 16th Street and Old Cheney Road intersection. Pedestrians along Old Cheney Road would be detoured to the opposite side of the street with crossings at 16th Street and Tipperary Trail/Newman Road.