News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, NE; KLKNTV.com14th street improvement project brings more construction

14th street improvement project brings more construction

By: Megan Palera
mpalera@klkntv.com

The 14th Street Improvement Project is a big project, but it's just the beginning of what is going to be a very busy construction season.

Some call it a mess, others, like Jake Magnenie say the roundabout at 14th and Superior is a big improvement. "I think traffic was horrible without it the way it was on the stoplights on Superior," Magninie said. He's ready for the next one to go in at 14th and Alvo, just across from Kooser Elementary.

In addition to the roundabout, the city is also widening the street to four lanes of traffic and adding sidewalks and bike paths. A large group showed up Wednesday night to learn more about the project set to begin next month.

Andrea Cogdill says although it's a massive undertaking, it's better to fix it now before the growth gets too big. "Two years ago, when we moved here, there were only about 400 students and I think there's now over 800. I think there is a rapid growth in the area," she said.

Detour signs and orange cones are going to be popping up more and more all around town. Nearly 18 miles of road across the city will be ripped up and given a new surface over the next nine months.

"We are probably going to have double the amount of streets impacted this summer compared to last summer. Roughly two-and-a-half times the miles affected or improved," said Thomas Shafer, manager of engineering services.

The city says an increase in wheel tax revenue is one reason for all the work. The other, they've been able to tackle all the bad roads and are now turning their attention to maintaining the good ones.

Although there will be more roads affected this summer, the city says it will take less time to complete those projects.

The 14th street improvement project should be complete by Thanksgiving.