Intersection of 56th and Van Dorn Streets to Close October 6

Published on October 02, 2025

LTU provides other 56th Street project updates

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) today announced that the South 56th and Van Dorn streets intersection will close beginning Monday, October 6. This work is expected to be completed by the end of December.  

The recommended detour is Normal Boulevard to 48th Street to Pioneers Boulevard to 56th Street. Access to homes in the area will be maintained. 

“Completing this work now will prevent further deterioration during the winter months, providing safer conditions for drivers,” said Thomas Shafer, Assistant Director of Transportation. “It will also reduce the need for crews to return for an extended period of time later, helping minimize future disruption for residents and drivers as we work to complete the project.” 

Other 56th Street project updates include: 

• The intersection of 56th Street and Pioneers Boulevard is fully open with left turn access.  

• Normal Boulevard from 56th to 70th streets is expected to reopen one lane in each direction by mid-October to increase traffic flow in the area. 

Completed work includes: 

• Coordinated with local utilities to identify conflicts and relocate infrastructure where necessary to support ongoing and future improvements 

• Repaired asphalt and concrete on southbound 56th Street between Spruce and Calvert streets, improving surface conditions for drivers and extending the street’s lifespan 

• Reconstructed and upgraded sidewalk ramps along southbound 56th Street between Spruce and Calvert streets to improve accessibility and meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards  

Work in progress includes: 

• Reconstruction of the 56th and Van Dorn Street intersection 

• Asphalt resurfacing between Van Dorn Street and Pioneers Boulevard 

• Completion of joint repairs and patches on northbound concrete between Spruce Street and Lowell Avenue 

• Spring 2026: Clean up work including the installation of new curb ramps and pedestrian signals at the intersection of South 56th Street and Pioneers Boulevard 

LTU works to reduce traffic disruptions during construction. Some efforts include:  

• Adjustment of traffic signal timing: LTU continues to monitor conditions in affected arterial corridors and adjust signal timing when possible. 

• 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.  

To assist with driving during construction, we encourage community members to: 

• Sign up for TextLNK updates for this project by texting “56VANDORN” to 91896 

• Download the free WAZE app. WAZE will reroute drivers around full closures in Lincoln 

• Consider leaving to get to your destination earlier 

• Check out LTU’s Projects webpage at lincoln.ne.gov/Projects with a list of projects across the city 

• Review the LTU Street Closures map at lincoln.ne.gov/Closures to help make a route plan before you leave to get to your destination. 

LTU appreciates the community’s patience during these improvements and reminds residents that project dates are subject to change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances.