City of Lincoln provides update on several major street projects

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The City of Lincoln on Thursday provided an update on several major street improvement projects.

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, with City and local representatives, hosted a press conference to celebrate the completion of the Normal Boulevard Project and other street projects across the City.

“We are as thrilled as you are to be nearing the end of our street construction season,” Gaylor Baird said in a press release. “Completed projects like this on Normal Boulevard make it easier, safer, and more enjoyable for our community members to drive to work, for children to get to school, and for customers to support our local businesses. We appreciate our community’s patience as we’ve made this important progress.”

According to the City, it expects to complete 14 street improvement projects by the end of 2025.

Eight of those projects are funded through the regular street construction funds.

The Normal Boulevard project between 33rd and 70th streets is one of six projects completed this year that is funded by the Lincoln on the Move quarter-cent sales tax for streets, which took effect in 2019.

Since then, the City has invested $104 million into 220 lane miles of new and rehabilitated streets in every quadrant of the City.

Approved again by voters this spring, Lincoln on the Move is expected to generate $18 million annually, for a total of $144 million in transportation infrastructure over eight years.

SEE ALSO: Voters give green light to renewal of Lincoln on the Move sales tax

Improvements to Normal Boulevard between 33rd and 70th streets include a mill and overlay of the existing surface with concrete base repairs or replacement where required, curb and median repair or replacement, joint and crack sealing, inlet and inlet top replacements, and public utility adjustments.

Additional work with other funding sources includes traffic signal replacement at South 40th, 48th and 56th streets, and upgrades to the existing curb ramps to federal and local standards.

Tracy Corr — president of the 40th and A Street Neighborhood Association — said the Normal Boulevard improvements make the neighborhood more accessible.

“It’s now easier for everyone to get around, whether you’re walking, using a mobility device, or just enjoying a stroll with your family,” she said. “What’s even more encouraging is that this is happening all over Lincoln. The City is making thoughtful investments in all four quadrants of town. It’s clear there’s a real commitment to balance equity and long-term progress.”

SEE ALSO: Another section of Normal Boulevard closing in east Lincoln as project enters final stretch

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director Liz Elliott thanked residents for their continued support and patience during construction and care around work zones.

In 2025, LTU will have completed more than 58 lane miles of improvements, she said.

“Construction to improve and grow our infrastructure may be a temporary inconvenience, but it’s a clear sign of long-term progress,” Elliott said. “After months of hard work, Lincoln is on track for safer, smoother streets that will serve us far into the future.”

More information on construction projects is available at lincoln.ne.gov/projects.

A complete list of updated project completion dates is below:

Projects anticipated to be completed by November 1:

Funded through Lincoln on the Move:

• Northwest 12th Street between Adams Street and Highland Boulevard
• 14th Street between Yankee Hill and Pine Lake roads
• Eastridge Neighborhood street improvements
• Normal Boulevard between 33rd and 70th streets
• 17th Street between A and S streets

Projects funded through the regular street budget:

• Oak Creek Bridge on North First Street
• West A Street from the west city limits to Southwest 23rd Street
• Surface maintenance on A and Randolph streets
• Pound Middle School Neighborhood street Improvements
• Nebraska Parkway between 48th and 56th streets

Projects expected to be completed in 2025:

Funded through Lincoln on the Move:

• Pine Lake Road between 14th and 32nd streets

Funded through regular street budget:

• 56th Street between Spruce and Van Dorn streets
• Arnold Heights Neighborhood street improvements
• Vintage Heights Neighborhood street improvements

Projects started in 2025 that are expected to be completed in 2026:

Funded through Lincoln on the Move:

• 40th Street between A and O streets

Funded through regular street budget:

• Adams Street between 38th and 49th streets