$20 million West A Street project is among Lincoln’s ongoing roadwork

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A $20 million project is set to start on West A Street soon, and the people of Lincoln had the chance to learn more Tuesday night.

“It is a process that takes some time,” said Thomas Shafer, the assistant director of transportation for the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department. “This helps them understand why it’s taking the time it is, what to expect, and how to deal with it as we’re going.”

LTU hosted an open house to talk about the project, which will improve the street from Southwest 23rd Street to the west city limit, which is near Southwest 40th Street.

Some residents said this project was something they’ve wanted for a long time.

“We had been to meetings before where we’ve raised issues about West A needing to be improved, and we’re happy to see them out there,” said Rick Aksamit, who lives on West A. “To us, it’s going to help slow down traffic. It’ll be a lot safer for people in traffic with the roundabouts there.”

The funding for the project is partly coming from the wheel tax.

Other major road improvements will also be affecting Lincoln driving this summer.

North 48th Street is undergoing construction from Leighton Avenue to Superior Street.

Further south on 48th, Old Cheney Road to Nebraska Parkway will be affected as well.

Also, part of 84th Street is under construction around O Street.

SEE ALSO: ‘That’s a killer’: Lincoln man says 48th Street construction will doom his business

The West A Street project will include new pavement, roundabout intersections, better street lighting and more.

LTU is also working on the wastewater and sewer pipes in the area.

Some of the main concerns from people at the open house were about the timing of the improvements.

Since the plan is covering 2½ miles of roadway, the project is set to start this summer and last into 2025 to fully complete.

But Shafer said the city is doing its best to get it done well in a timely manner.

“I know it’s frustrating during construction,” he said. “We understand that it’s difficult sometimes, but we want to all keep our eye on the prize.”