Pine Lake progress: Neighbors say long south Lincoln road project will be worth it

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – On the minds of many south Lincoln drivers is the upcoming road construction on Pine Lake Road.

Construction will stretch for a mile and a half from 14th to 32nd streets, leaving only one lane of traffic open in each direction.

It will begin in early May and possibly last until summer 2026.

The project, funded by Lincoln on the Move, will repair the eastbound lanes and the median, add storm drains and upgrade curb ramps.

The manager of the Amigos at 14th and Pine Lake, Aaron Herold, said this project is worth it in the long run.

“It’s going to be a short-term loss for a long-term gain,” he said. “It’s going to make our streets safer over here. It’s going to make our roadways safer. It’s just going to be better for people that travel in and out of this area.”

Traffic is very heavy in the area, with two nearby schools and many prominent businesses.

Herold said this project will keep people safe.

“I see a lot of kids in and out of here, parents that come pick up their kids in the parking lot and the shopping centers,” he said. “There’s just a lot of foot traffic, twice a day. And we need to make sure that they’re safe and taken care of. There are drivers that do take risks, and unfortunately, that’s led to several accidents over the years.”

Roger Meeks, who lives in a nearby neighborhood, said he is looking forward to the project.

“I mean, it needs to be done, especially the eastbound lane,” he said. “It’s got a lot of potholes, so it’s beyond fixing at this point. It’ll be inconvenient for a few people going, especially with the schools, but hopefully the construction period will not coincide with school being in session.”