City Provides Street Project Updates

Published on August 21, 2024

LTU outlines traffic mitigation adjustments 

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) today provided updates on several street projects and outlined traffic mitigation adjustments. 

84th Street  

• Work on 84th Street between “O” and Van Dorn streets is scheduled to be completed Sunday, August 25. A full closure was required to complete repairs at the intersection of 84th and “A” streets. The project was extended due to additional street damage found, extreme heat, contractor scheduling conflicts and contractor workforce availability. 

• Beginning Monday, August 26, LTU will transition the work area to single-lane closures to reduce traffic disruptions. 

70th Street between Pine Lake and Yankee Hill roads 

• This Omaha Public Power District railroad repair project is scheduled to be completed by Friday, August 23. 

56th Street  

• A southbound lane of 56th Street between Pioneers Boulevard and Elkcrest Drive is closed until Thursday, August 22, for a Lincoln Electric System project. 

14th Street 

• The pavement repair project on westbound Yankee Hill Road between 27th and 14th streets is expected to be completed by Friday, August 23. Local westbound traffic access will continue between 27th Street and Executive Woods Drive. 

• Lane closures on South 14th Street between Pine Lake and Saltillo roads are expected to be completed by September 2. This project remains on schedule. 

Leighton Avenue 

• Leighton Avenue between 48th and 56th streets will be closed beginning Monday, August 26. This work is scheduled to be completed by early November. The recommended detour is 48th Street to Holdrege or Adams streets to 70th Street. 

• Leighton Avenue between 68th and 70th streets is scheduled to reopen Saturday, August 31. 

• Leighton Avenue between 56th and 63rd streets is scheduled to reopen in late September. 

“We remain committed to planning and executing street projects while minimizing impacts. To ease congestion, we have adjusted traffic signal timings and closely monitor traffic along affected arterial corridors. By coordinating with various contractors and managing their timelines, we ensure that projects are completed efficiently and safely,” said Thomas Shafer, LTU Assistant Director of Transportation. 

To reduce traffic disruptions, LTU takes the following steps: 

• Adjustment of traffic signal timing: LTU continues to monitor conditions in affected arterial corridors and adjust signal timing when possible. Signal timing adjustments have been made intersections such as 84th and “O” streets, 70th and “O” streets, 70th and “A” streets, and 70th and Van Dorn streets. 

• Maintain open lanes: LTU prioritizes keeping at least one lane open, whenever possible, to maintain smooth traffic flow. 

• Minimize closure duration: LTU aims to limit the number of days that streets are closed by planning and scheduling work as efficiently as possible. 

• Hold contractors accountable: LTU holds contractors responsible for meeting deadlines and requires them to adhere to agreed-upon timelines. Their progress is closely monitored to address any delays promptly. 

• Maximize summer scheduling: While most large street improvement projects extend beyond summer due to their complexity, LTU specifically uses the summer period to minimize the impact on school and other event traffic. 

Travelers are encouraged to seek alternate routes and exercise caution around these closures. LTU appreciates the public’s patience during these closures 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.