Drivers share frustrations on illegal turns in construction zones in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Many drivers claim to see others making illegal turns in construction zones across Lincoln.

Construction cones and lane closures are all part of a growing frustration point for drivers who just want to get from point A to point B.

“It’s been this way for months and I think it’s only going to get worse.” said John Henson.

Some drivers said what’s causing the frustration is the number of no turning left or right signs.

“You have to go 4 or 5 blocks over sometimes or a lot of streets where you can’t make a certain turn, so it’s a little challenging sometimes.” said Jimmy Essay.

But instead, drivers are trying to make those illegal turns and it isn’t going unnoticed.

“People will be honking at them because they got all kinds of no left down there.” Henson said. “It will be at them because they’re holding the traffic but they’ll still sit there until they get clear.”

But in the short term, many in the area said it’s creating some frustration.

“Even this morning when we were returning from a funeral, traffic was backed up from Pioneers clear down past Calvert. Just to come this way took us about five minutes to get from Calvert up to Pioneers.” Henson said.

The Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department said construction projects across the city are aimed at fixing aging roads and improving long-term traffic flows.

LTU acknowledged the complaints, but said these repairs are essential.

“Lincoln Transportation and Utilities encourages all community members to follow all traffic signals and signage for the safety of the traveling public. To assist with traveling in and around construction zones, we encourage community members to download the free WAZE app to assist in navigating around full closures, consider leaving to get to your destination earlier, and plan your route by using LTU’s Projects website at lincoln.ne.gov/Projects and Street Closures Map at lincoln.ne.gov/Closures,” LTU said in a statement to Channel 8.

But some drivers said these guidelines aren’t stopping people from breaking the rules.

“There’s been several accidents down here in the last few weeks, this intersection of Pioneers and 56th is notorious for accidents.” Henson said.