Project “O” Street Construction Updates

Construction Update

Published on April 17, 2026

14th Street Access: 14th Street from “N” to “P” streets is currently closed to traffic. Pedestrian access remains open.

14th Street Improvements: Crews are currently installing temporary sidewalk to ensure ADA accessibility to area businesses and residents while repairing other sidewalks along 14th Street. Crews are beginning additional improvements including salvaging brick pavers, stormwater and water main replacements, and street improvements.

“O” Street Access: “O” Street is currently open to east-west traffic, with single lane closures in place at this time.

“O” Street Improvements: On “O” Street, crews are currently creating small holes in pavement referred to as potholing, which assists them in locating important underground utilities and maintaining safety for crews. Once utilities have been located, crews will begin work to replace a 50-year-old water main this spring/summer. The work will begin on 16th Street and move west.

Pedestrian/Resident Access: Pedestrians currently have access to all crosswalks and intersections except at 16th and “O” streets for people heading southbound.

“O” and 14th Street Alley Access: A separate project in the alley south of “O” Street and 14th Street is currently impacting sidewalk access on 14th Street. This project is expected to be completed by the end of April.

What to Expect During This Closure

The information below will help businesses, residents, customers, and other community members plan ahead during construction on 14th Street.

How long will the full closure on 14th Street last?

14th Street between “N” and “P” streets is expected to have a full closure through fall 2026, with a brief pause in July for a local festival. Project dates may adjust due to weather or unforeseen conditions. We will share updates as work progresses.

What improvements are crews making on 14th Street?

Crews are constructing stormwater and water main upgrades, making street improvements, installing decorative colored sidewalks, festoon lighting, landscaping, bistro tables and chairs, brick pavers, tree grates, and more. These enhancements improve infrastructure, safety, accessibility, and long-term reliability.

Why does 14th Street require a full closure?

A full closure allows crews to work more efficiently and safely, reduce repeated disruptions, and provide a smoother construction experience for the community.

What is happening on “O” Street?

Crews are creating small holes in the pavement referred to as potholing to help them identify utilities under the ground before digging. This is important prep work that is completed before water main replacements begin to help minimize any complications and increase safety. “O” Street continues to offer through traffic with single lane closures at this time. Drivers are encouraged to allow for extra travel time.

Will the planned water main replacement(s) affect water service for businesses and residents?

Water main replacements on 14th Street north of “O” Street and on “O” Street near 16th Street may cause temporary interruptions to water service. Residents and businesses will be notified 24 to 48 hours prior to any temporary water shutoffs. These service interruptions are typically short, lasting an average of four hours or less.

Are other streets or sidewalks affected?

Crews may adjust nearby streets, sidewalks, or intersections during construction. Pedestrian access to businesses will remain open, with signage guiding customers safely.

Where can customers and resident visitors park if they are near Centennial Mall to 13th Street?

Customers and visitors are recommended to use the University Square Parking Garage at 14th and “P” streets, other nearby garages, and on-street parking in the downtown area.

Will parking at Eagle Parking Garage be affected by the 14th Street full closure?

No. The 14th Street construction does not affect the availability of Eagle Parking Garage at this time. Those using the exit driveway onto 14th Street will be detoured to "N" Street. We will continue to keep you updated on any parking garage impacts every week.

How can businesses stay informed?

We will provide weekly updates throughout the project to keep you informed. Businesses and residents are invited to attend Coffee with the Contractor meetings at 9 a.m. every Wednesday at the Music Box on 14th Street between “O” and “N” streets. For additional questions, please contact Project Manager Brett Wasko at 402-477-0487 or bwasko@projectcontrol.com.

Helping Customers Reach Your Business

Use the information below to help guide customers to reach your business easily during construction:

How to Get to Your Business

• Customers can park at the University Square Parking Garage on the corner of 14th and “P” streets, or use nearby on-street parking and walk to your business.
• Your business remains open throughout construction. The contractor will contact you directly if there are any anticipated access impacts to your business.
• Customers can follow posted detour routes and signage for easy access.
• Allow extra travel time to ensure a smooth visit.

Where to Park

• Customers can use the University Square Parking Garage at the corner of 14th and “P” streets, entering from “P” Street.
• Additional parking garages and nearby on-street parking are available.
• Signs will guide drivers to open parking spaces.

Walking Access

• Crews will maintain sidewalk access to your business throughout construction.
• Pedestrian routes may shift, and signs will clearly guide customers to your entrances.

Community Encouraged to Support Businesses During Project “O” Street

Free concert to commemorate Music District improvements set for April 30

Published on April 16, 2026

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and community representatives today encouraged Lincoln residents to support downtown businesses while significant and historic renovations take place during Project “O” Street.

“This generational investment will enhance quality of life and grow economic opportunity for the people of Lincoln far into the future,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “As the City of Lincoln makes this major investment to strengthen our downtown, we are calling on our community members to invest in the downtown businesses that strengthen our economy, enrich our quality of life, and make Lincoln a wonderful place to live, work, play and shop.”

Work on “O” Street began in early April, with the latest closure being on 14th Street between “N” and “P” streets for Boehmer Street Music District improvements. Crews will make street improvements, upgrade stormwater and water mains and install sidewalks, new lighting, brick pavers, tree grates, and more.

To coincide with the improvements being made to the Boehmer Street Music District, the City invites residents to the Project NO Street Block Party – a free concert from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30. Local bands AM/FM and the Church of Blues, featuring “The Voice” competitors Jadyn Cree Olesen and Josh Hoyer respectively, will perform in the 14th and “O” streets intersection. For more information, visit lincoln.ne.gov/ProjectNOStreet.

Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird at the news conference were Liz Elliott, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director; Todd Odgen, Downtown Lincoln Association President and CEO; and Omar Attaie, Pita and Naan Restaurant Owner.

Elliott said that when possible, full closures will be employed to allow crews to work more safely and efficiently when using large construction equipment.

“We’re getting in, doing the work, and getting out. This (14th Street full closure) is just one way we are actively reducing the overall construction timeline for the project,” Elliott said. “These improvements will create a safer, more welcoming, and more durable streetscape for everyone who spends time downtown.”

Elliott said that during the project, access to businesses will be maintained and signs will be posted to safely guide pedestrians. Additional efforts by the City to support downtown businesses and their customers during Project “O” Street, include:

• Free 1-hour parking vouchers that businesses can provide to customers using City parking garages
• Brochures and maps to help customers, residents, and visitors find parking and visit local businesses
• Promotions such as billboards, street signs, coasters, banners, and sidewalk stickers to help remind customers to buy local
• Allowance of additional signs in front of businesses and booths in Tower Square, 13th and “P” streets, to help businesses advertise

In addition to continued virtual and in-person open houses, Elliott invited businesses and residents to weekly “Coffee with a Contractor” events at 9 a.m. Wednesdays, at the Music Box, 1330 “N” St., Suite C. These events will offer downtown businesses, employees, and residents updates on how improvements may impact their week.

Referring to orange cones and barricades residents will see during Project “O” Street, Odgen emphasized that downtown businesses will remain open and continue to be eager to serve the community during the construction work.

“Orange is going to mean something new downtown over the next couple of years,” Ogden said. “Orange is going to mean excitement. Orange is going to mean progress, and orange, most importantly, is going to mean ‘open’.”

Attaie said downtown businesses are excited about the future of downtown and what Project “O” Street will bring to Lincoln.

“Please continue to come downtown, where hopefully you’ll support all of the local businesses that work so hard to make this community special,” Attaie said.

Digital signs will alert traffic to upcoming work and closures. Drivers and pedestrians should follow signage, allow extra travel time, and stay alert near work zones. LTU appreciates the public’s patience during this work and reminds residents that project dates are subject to change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances.

Current information on street closures is available at lincoln.ne.gov/closures or through the Waze mobile app. For additional information about the “O” Street project or the open house event, visit ProjectOStreet.com.

Residents can receive future project updates through TextLNK. To sign up, text PROJECTOSTREET to 91896. To learn more about TextLNK, visit lincoln.ne.gov/TextLNK.

“O” Street Pre-Construction Traffic Changes Begin April 5

Project “O” Street open house set for April 7

Published on March 31, 2026

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) today announced that traffic changes on “O” Street between 16th and 13th streets will begin Sunday, April 5. Westbound lanes will close for tree removal and pre-construction work, while one lane in each direction will remain open to traffic.

Crews will also perform minor pavement and sidewalk work in select areas. Sidewalks will remain open to pedestrians, keeping access convenient for the community.

LTU reminds residents that a Project “O” Street pre-construction open house will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, in the lobby of Union Bank Place, 1248 “O” St. Project staff will be available to answer questions and share information about planned improvements, project phasing, and the construction schedule. No formal presentation is planned.

Digital signs will alert traffic to upcoming work and closures. Drivers and pedestrians should follow signage, allow extra travel time, and stay alert near work zones. LTU appreciates the public’s patience during this work and reminds residents that project dates are subject to change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances.

Trees will be removed as the project progresses. Nearly three trees will be planted for every one tree removed as part of the project.

Current information on street closures is available at lincoln.ne.gov/closures or through the Waze mobile app. For additional information about the “O” Street project or the open house event, visit lincoln.ne.gov/ProjectOStreet.

Residents can receive future project updates through TextLNK. To sign up, text PROJECTOSTREET to 91896. To learn more about TextLNK, visit lincoln.ne.gov/TextLNK.