City Provides Update on “O” Street Improvement Project
Published on July 08, 2025
Construction on infrastructure and public spaces to begin fall 2025
“The benefits of Project “O” Street transcend any one generation or geography,” Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said. “This project represents a generational investment in our community that will enhance quality of life and grow economic opportunity for the people of Lincoln far into the future.”
Through Project “O” Street, the City will update infrastructure and public spaces along “O” Street between Ninth and 16th streets. Work on this project will also extend to “N” and “P” streets on 14th Street, and to ”Q” Street on 11th Street. Improvements will include a new water main, lead water line replacement, street replacement or resurfacing, new sidewalks, new crosswalks, better lighting, and enhanced landscaping.
To maximize efficiency and minimize disruption in this busy corridor, the City will implement the project in three phases according to the following anticipated schedule:
- Phase 1: Late fall 2025 to fall 2026, 16th to 14th streets
- Phase 2: Spring 2026 to fall 2026, 14th to 11th streets
- Phase 3: Summer 2026 to fall 2027, 11th to Ninth streets
Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird and Director Elliott at the news conference were Bennie Shobe, City Councilmember; Todd Odgen, Downtown Lincoln Association President and CEO; Mark Button, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Interim Executive Vice Chancellor; and Randy Hawthorne, downtown resident.
Funding for the estimated $35 million project includes:
- Water main replacement using Water CIP funds
- Street improvements using Lincoln on the Move funds
- Street improvements on “O” Street using Nebraska Department of Transportation funds
- Improvements to curb ramps, street markings, sidepaths, and traffic signals using non-Lincoln on the Move transportation funds
- Tax Increment Financing
Elliott said the construction timeline includes temporary full-street, single lane and sidewalk closures designed to limit disruption during the busiest periods downtown, including football season and major community events. Access to businesses and homes in the area will remain open during the work.
“Lincoln Transportation and Utilities is ready to construct improvements quickly and efficiently while minimizing construction impacts where we can. Once complete, new, updated infrastructure will benefit the entire community,” Elliott said.
Community engagement regarding the project will include open houses, text alerts, virtual public meetings and a detailed website. LTU will continue to support affected businesses through individual meetings, Elliott said.
“This effort to enhance one of the top five most-used streets in Lincoln with an average of 20,000 vehicles per day will improve reliability, safety, and accessibility along one of Lincoln’s busiest and most iconic streets,” Elliott said.
Button said that a university’s host city plays a significant role in attracting students and staff from around the world. And because of its proximity to UNL, he said, downtown Lincoln offers the first impression to students, staff and visitors.
“”O” Street is the front door to our city and just blocks from the campus – and that first impression is often a lasting impression. So, this project ensures that impression is the absolute best it can be,” Button said.
Shobe said the “O” Street project represents a rare opportunity to invest in what he called “the heart of Lincoln,” creating a safe and welcoming environment for residents and first-time visitors alike.
“To those of us who call Lincoln home, “O” Street holds personal meaning. It’s the home of cherished small businesses, it’s the host of concerts and festivals, and it’s a vital link that connects Lincoln to our past, present, and future,” Shobe said.
Hawthorne, who lives less than a block from “O” Street, said the street improvement project will benefit the entire city.
“When our downtown thrives, our broader community flourishes. As downtown businesses grow, they strengthen the bonds with customers who rely on their goods and services,” Hawthorne said. “As downtown infrastructure improves, everyone will feel safer and more connected. Project “O” Street will help our city achieve both.”