CAPITAL CITY READY FOR UNL GAMEDAY TRAFFIC

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said Lincoln is ready to welcome Husker fans to the Capital City for another season of Nebraska football.  The first of the Huskers’ seven home games starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 31 against South Alabama.  

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• The University of Nebraska adheres to a clear bag policy at Memorial Stadium.  Visit huskers.com/bagpolicy for more information.  
• Fans should lock their vehicles and move valuable items out of sight.
• Drinking alcohol is prohibited on City streets, parking lots, garages and sidewalks, including the trail between Haymarket Park and 8th Street.  
• The sale of tickets, souvenirs or other items is not allowed on City streets or sidewalks.  
• Officers will issue citations for violations that inhibit the use of the street or sidewalk.  
• The sale of food, flowers or balloons requires a sidewalk vendor permit.
• UNL is a smoke/tobacco-free campus.

To avoid gameday traffic and parking challenges, City officials recommend visiting lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: closures) or using the Waze mobile app for maps and street construction information; planning for parking; arriving early; celebrating downtown after games; and using StarTran’s Big Red Express (startran.lincoln.ne.gov).

GETTING TO AND FROM THE GAME

To improve the traffic experience on game day, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities, the Lincoln Police Department, the UNL Police Department and Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) work together.  The City provides traffic control on Lincoln streets, while NDOT helps coordinate traffic on I-180 and I-80.  Coordination efforts include traffic planning, pre- and post-game messaging, planned lane and ramp closures and sharing of incidents with all parties involved as they happen.

On football game days, Interstate 80 exits at I-180/Downtown and 27th Street can be congested, so visitors are encouraged to use other routes into Lincoln:

• From the east, take the Hwy. 6/Cornhusker Hwy. exit 409.  Turn south at State Fair Park Drive and west on Salt Creek Roadway to reach Memorial Stadium, the Champion’s Club and parking facilities east of the stadium and in the Haymarket.
• From the west, use exit I-80 at Homestead Expressway/Hwy. 77 South, then go east on Rosa Parks Way.
• Those using I-80 who plan to park in the Haymarket Park lots will experience less congestion if they enter Lincoln using the Airport exit 399.

Those entering Lincoln on southbound I-180/9th Street, are strongly encouraged to use “N” Street and Arena Drive to access the Haymarket, the Haymarket parking garages and Pinnacle Bank Arena.  To improve traffic flow, the following changes will be in effect before and after the games:

• Two hours before kickoff, southbound 9th Street will be closed starting at the roundabout at 9th Street and Salt Creek Roadway near Memorial Stadium.  The street will reopen once vehicles have left the stadium area after the game.
• Two hours before kickoff, “R”, “Q” and “P” streets will be closed to traffic from 9th Street.  Drivers coming from I-180 will have to use “N” Street to access the Haymarket Area.   
• Salt Creek Roadway will have lane restrictions at 14th Street to better manage traffic congestion.
• 16th Street from Vine to “Q” streets will be closed to northbound traffic.
• Postgame traffic on northbound 10th Street from “Q” to “T” streets will be restricted to I-180.  No traffic will be allowed to go past the stadium on 10th Street.  The street will reopen once pedestrians have left the stadium area after the game.
• Following the game, N. 10th Street south of Charleston Street will be closed to southbound traffic. 
• Following the game, N. 17th Street from Vine to “X” streets will be closed.
• Following the game, for those that have parked in the Haymarket Garages, 7th Street from “N” to “M” streets will be one-way southbound and “M” Street from 7th to 9th streets will be a one-way eastbound.

Other gameday events include the Haymarket Farmers Market every Saturday through October 12 and Railyard entertainment and activities on Fridays and Saturdays.  The Cube in the Railyard will show football games all day on Saturdays.  The area of the Haymarket Farmers Market will close from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday through October 12.  North 7th and 8th streets as well as Canopy Street will close from “P” to “Q” streets. “P” Street will close from 7th to 8th Street and “Q” Street will close from 7th to Canopy streets.

Some City road construction projects may impact gameday traffic:

• The southern two lanes of “Q” Street between N. 11th and N. 12th streets are closed.
• Southbound N. 14th Street between Fletcher Avenue and Morton Street will be closed through September 13.

Other traffic reminders:

• Stadium Drive west of the stadium will be closed to all vehicular traffic.  Passenger drop-off and pick-up will not be allowed in front of the Stadium before or after the game.
• Uber, Lyft and taxi drop-off and pickup will be located at the bus stop in front of Henzlik Hall, 1430 Vine St.
• Charter buses will park on “W” Street between 14th and 16th streets.
• 17th Street from “R” to Vine streets (on the UNL City Campus) is closed.
• Vine Street from N. Antelope Valley Pkwy to 16th Street (on the UNL City Campus) has been reduced to single eastbound and westbound lanes with a bike lane in each direction.

Those choosing to ride bicycles to the game have several options:

• The “N” Street Cycle Track is a protected bikeway for the exclusive use of cyclists on the south side of “N” Street from 23rd Street to Arena Drive.  
• Downtown bike lanes are on 14th Street from “L” to “R” streets and on 11th Street from “Q” to “D” streets.  
• Bike lanes are now open on Vine and 16th streets on UNL City’s Campus. 
• Bike UNL offers free bike valet service for all home games.  Cyclists can drop off their bikes on the east side of Cook Pavilion near 14th and “W” streets two hours prior to kickoff.  The service also accepts BikeLNK bicycles from the City bike share program.  All bikes must be picked up within one hour after the game.  For more information on the bike valet service, visit bike.unl.edu/bikevalet or call 402-472-4777.  For more information on BikeLNK, visit bikelnk.bcycle.com.

GAMEDAY PARKING

Parking meters are enforced Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The following fine system is in effect:

• If the ticket is paid online within seven days from when it is written, the fine is $9.
• If the ticket is paid in person or through the mail within seven days, the fine is $10.
• If the ticket is paid after seven days, the fine is $25 in person or by mail or $24 online.

To avoid parking tickets, fans can purchase a $10 tag for all-day, on-street parking in metered stalls from any City employee wearing a Parking Services shirt at City-operated parking facilities.

Fans can also reserve pre-paid parking in the Haymarket and other City garages through parkandgo.org.  Rates for the four West Haymarket garages are $25, and the other rates vary by garage.  Limited parking will be available for $25 in the VIP Parking Garage attached to the southwest side of Pinnacle Bank Arena.  Parking garages available in the West Haymarket are:

• Red 1, 555 “R” Street
• Green 2, 530 “P” Street
• Blue 3, 535 “P” Street
• Lumberworks, 700 “N” Street

Reserved, reduced-price, pre-paid football parking is also available through parkandgo.org for these locations:

• County-City lots – North (10th and “K”), South (701 S. 10th) and West (802 “J”) – $20 on site and $15 online
• Carriage Park (1120 “L”), Cornhusker Square (1220 “L”) and Center Park (1100 “N”) – $25 on site, $20 online
• Haymarket (9th and “Q”), Lincoln Station South (7th and “P”), Market Place (10th and “Q”), Que Place (1111 “Q”), Red 1 (555 “R”), Green 2 (530 “P”), Blue 3 (535 “P”), University Square (101 N. 14th), Larson Building (1317 “Q”), West Depot lot (676 “O”), Lumberworks (700 “N”) – $30 on site, $25 online
• Sun Valley and Charleston St. lot near Oak Lake Park – vehicle parking is $10 on site and online; RV parking is $50 on site and $45 online
• “N” Street Gravel lot, “N” Street and Arena Drive – vehicle parking is $30 and RV parking is $75 on site  
• 14th and New Hampshire lot – vehicle parking is $20 on site and $15 online, and RV parking is $100 on site and online.
• 1318 “M” Street Garage – $25 on site and $20 online
• 233 S. 14th Street lot – $30 on site and $20 online

Grills are not allowed in City garages.  Grills are allowed at the 14th and New Hampshire lot and at the Sun Valley and Charleston lot.  Fans planning to stay Friday night on City property must purchase their parking online and display the permit in their RV overnight.  RV parking is not allowed at the Haymarket Park baseball/softball complex.  

UNL parking lots will be available for use six hours prior to kick off.  Grills are not allowed in University garages. Gameday parking information and maps are available at parking.unl.edu/ (keyword: football).

Alcohol Consumption

Nebraska State Statute (Chapter 53-186) prohibits the consumption of alcohol on state property. It is unlawful for any person to consume alcoholic liquor upon property owned or controlled by the state or any governmental subdivision thereof unless authorized by the governing bodies having jurisdiction over such property.

Parking is available at the following University areas on game days:

• 17th and “R” garage – $25 day of game, $175 season
• 19th and Vine garage – $25 day of game, $175 season
• 14th and Avery Garage, limited space- $25 day of game, $175 season
• 15th and Vine streets – $25
• 1410 “Q” St. – $25
• 16th and “X” streets – $25
• 17th and Vine streets – $25 day of game, $175 season
• Anderson Hall, 16th St. between “P” and “Q” streets – $25
• Beadle Center, 19th St. north of “S” St. – $25
• 519 N 19th Street between “S” and “U” streets – $25
• 900 North 22nd St. – $20
• 22nd and Vine streets – $20
• 1700 “Y” St. – $25
• 14th and Court streets – $10
• 16th and Court streets – $10
• 14th St. and Military Road – $10                                           

Wheelchair accessible parking is available for $25 per vehicle at UNL Lot 5, Stadium Drive and Salt Creek Roadway. Handicapped parking is available at:

• 14th and “R” streets – $25
• 14th and Avery garage – $25, with free cart shuttle
• 14th and “U” streets, east of Morrill Hall – $25
• 14th St. between Vine and “W” streets, free on-street parking where available

Several private lots are available.  Rates vary, and some offer season passes. 

Vehicles blocking driveways, parked too close to the intersection, parked on public right of way or interfering with vehicle or pedestrian traffic will be towed.  Vehicles will also be subject to towing if parked on job sites or driving lanes on streets or in unfinished areas.  Vehicles towed by order of the Police or a Parking Control Officer are subject to a $50 towing fine in addition to the $49.53 required to retrieve a vehicle from the impoundment lot.  The towing fine does not apply to cars towed from private lots.

BIG RED EXPRESS

In addition to its regular routes, StarTran will provide its Big Red Express service on Husker game days starting two hours before kickoff from six locations:

• The City Municipal Service Center (I-80 airport, exit 399), 949 W. Bond (take first right north of McDonald’s) 
• Southeast Community College, 88th and “O” streets, south parking lot
• Holmes Lake, 70th Street and Normal, north end of lake
• Gateway Mall, 61st and “O” streets, southeast parking area at Sears
• SouthPointe Pavilions, 27th and Pine Lake Road, south of Von Maur
• North Star High School (I-80 airport exit 403), 5801 N. 33rd St. (six blocks east of 27th Street and Folkways Blvd.)

Buses will drop off and depart from “R” Street between 12th and 14th streets.  The last bus will leave the lot 45 minutes prior to kickoff.  The cost is $5 each way, and exact change is required.  No bills larger than $20 will be accepted.  Electronic signs will help direct fans to the Big Red Express locations near the interstate.  Big Red Express season tickets, good for round-trip travel for all home games, are available for $50, a $20 savings, at StarTran, 710 “J” Street, or at the lots on game day.  Tickets also can be purchased via smart phone by texting “TOKEN” to 41411 to receive a download link.  For more information, call 402-476-1234 or visit startran.lincoln.ne.gov.

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Lincoln – 2018-19 – LED STREETLIGHT CONVERSION TO BEGIN MONDAY

Beginning Monday, October 8, Schneider Electric will begin replacing close to 27,000 of the City’s outdated high-pressure sodium and metal halide streetlights with light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures.  Installation will begin on arterial and collector streets, and the project is scheduled to be completed in one year.  Residents can find updated project schedules at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword:  led).

According to Frank Uhlarik, Sustainability and Compliance Manager for the City, the $12.2 million project is designed to improve safety and provide significant annual savings attributable to lower energy and maintenance costs. Under the City’s contract with an Energy Savings Company (ESCO) such as Schneider Electric, the energy and maintenance savings are guaranteed by the ESCO to help pay for the streetlight upgrades.

 

“We’re excited to further our commitment to sustainability and save taxpayer dollars,” said Mayor Chris Beutler.  “We will use the cost savings on this project to pay for the improvements, and then we’ll invest them in other important initiatives to make our community safer and more attractive to residents, businesses and visitors.”

Converting street lights to LED technology is one of the energy strategies identified in the Lincoln Environmental Action Plan, which was approved last year.  Uhlarik said the LED conversion project offers the following benefits:

• LEDs offer improved light quality to improve visibility and safety.
• LEDs are highly energy efficiency, which reduces energy consumption and the environmental impact.
• LEDs have a longer lifespan compared to traditional street lamps, reducing maintenance costs.
• LEDs improve aesthetics by creating a more uniform lighting experience throughout the City.

Uhlarik said the City will install two different LED fixtures, depending on location and function.  The two fixtures have different Kelvin numbers, which is the measure of color temperature emitted by a fixture. “Based on resident feedback regarding brightness, the lights installed in neighborhoods will be 3000 Kelvin, which appear to be less bright than the 4000 Kelvin fixtures installed on arterial streets,” he said.

 

Uhlarik said the LED conversion project will also have a positive environmental impact on the community by reducing the City’s annual kilowatt hours by 10.7 million and removing 3.9 million pounds of carbon from the atmosphere. This is equivalent to planting 180,891 trees or removing 1,224 cars from the road.  Additionally, Schneider Electric will recycle a majority of the materials from the existing street lights.

“We are proud to help the City of Lincoln undertake this critical infrastructure project that will dramatically improve safety for City residents and make a lasting positive impact on the environment,” said Tammy Fulop, Vice President, Schneider Electric.  “At Schneider Electric, we are committed to helping municipalities in the Midwest and beyond achieve their vision for infrastructure improvements and sustainability without burdening local taxpayers.”

For more information on the LED conversion project, visit lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: conversion) or contact Uhlarik at fuhlarik.lincoln.ne.gov or 402-441-7588.  For more information on Schneider Electric, visit schneider-electric.us/enable.

Elevated Roundabout in Lincoln NE

Engineers have tweaked the design for a planned elevated roundabout at the southwestern Lincoln bottleneck of 14th Street, Old Cheney Road and Warlick Boulevard, providing drivers a better view of approaching traffic, beautifying the concrete walls and adding an underpass for cyclists and pedestrians on the Rock Island Trail.

Full story – http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elevated-roundabout-design-for-th-old-cheney-gets-final-public/article_1de51613-002b-51e7-ba08-d85ebaffc3eb.html

Lincoln – New Recycling Locs for Cardboard

CITY INSTALLING ADDITIONAL CARDBOARD RECYCLING CONTAINERS AT LIBRARIES

Public cardboard drop-off sites increased to 32  

This week, the City is installing cardboard-only recycling containers in the parking lots of four City libraries.  As of April 1, clean and dry corrugated cardboard will no longer be accepted at the City landfill.  The library sites will be maintained for three to six months while the City evaluates residents’ recycling needs.  Cardboard-only recycling containers are available at these locations:

• Walt Branch Library, 6701 S. 14th Street
• Gere Branch Library, 2400 S. 56th Street
• Anderson Branch Library, 3635 Touzalin Avenue
• Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior Street

The new locations are for cardboard recycling only.  Other recyclables must be taken to full service recycling sites.  The City has also doubled the cardboard capacity at all 28 full-service public recycling drop-off sites.  Residents may also subscribe to a curbside recycling service provided by a garbage or recycling collector.

Because public drop-off sites are sized to accommodate household recycling only, businesses should subscribe to a recycling service or deliver cardboard directly to a recycling processor.

As residents prepare for the change, City Recycling Coordinator Gene Hanlon said that in the first two months of 2018 cardboard recycling has increased 22 percent compared to the same period in 2017.  “Word about the City’s cardboard diversion program is definitely getting out,” Hanlon said.  “We’ve been monitoring use of our recycling sites, and we are ready to meet the anticipated increase in cardboard recycling.”

The City is promoting cardboard recycling with the “Take it to the Bin” educational campaign that encourages residents to start or expand their recycling efforts.  For more information on the campaign and on recycling cardboard and other materials, visit recycle.lincoln.ne.gov or call the City Recycling office at 402-441-8215.

Lincoln NE – Turn Lane Arrows – Traffic Signal Guide

Understanding the Signal for Your Turn Lane – The Arrows explained – Traffic Signal Guide –

Solid red arrow: STOP. No turns allowed. Do not enter the intersection to turn. Stop and wait until the signal changes.

Flashing yellow arrow: Yield, and turn when safe. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk; then turn. See back to learn more.

Solid yellow arrow: Prepare to stop. The signal will soon be red for turning traffic. If legally in the intersection, wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic to complete the turn.

Solid green arrow: Turns allowed and protected. Turning traffic has the right of way. Oncoming traffic and pedestrians are stopped.

—- City of Lincoln Department of Public Works and Utilities. For more information, visit . traffic.lincoln.ne.gov

Safer, More Efficient Turn Signals. The City of Lincoln is upgrading its traffic signals and timings to enhance safety and traffic flow on major streets. As a result, intersections are using different arrow signals for turning traffic. Understanding the Signal for Your Turn Lane At many major intersections across Lincoln, arrow signals are used for both left and right turns. Studies show that arrow signals provide clearer instruction and result in fewer crashes.

Flashing Yellow Arrow: Turning Left

City of Lincoln

Yield, Then Turn

When turning left on a flashing yellow arrow,

drivers must yield

to

oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk before turning.

Oncoming traffic

always

has a green signal and the right-of-way.

Flashing yellow arrows replace the traditional green ball when

turning left. A national study showed flashing yellow left-turn

arrows are more understandable to drivers. Lincoln’s upgraded

signals give drivers more opportunities to turn left and traffic

engineers more options to keep traffic moving at different

times of the day.

When turning left, if you get a flashing yellow arrow, remember:

pposing traffic always has a green signal and the right-of-way.

2. Always watch the signal for your turn lane  . . . not the signals or traffic in other lanes.

3. Pay attention!

» The order of signals changes depending on time of day and traffic conditions.

» Green arrows can occur before or after oncoming traffic.

4. Some intersections do not have green arrows based on traffic needs.

DID YOU KNOW ?  Flashing yellow arrows… were approved for use by Federal Highway Administration in 2006 reduce left-turning crashes by up to 25% minimize travel delays by providing more turning opportunities. Green Light Lincoln uses new traffic signal equipment, smart technologies, and new timing plans to improve safety and traffic flow on major streets. Visit

traffic.lincoln.ne.gov

(keyword: FYA).

in Lincoln – BURNING LEAVES AND YARD WASTE IS ILLEGAL

State law requires that grass and leaves be separated from household trash from April 1 until December 1, and the City reminds residents that burning leaves and yard waste is illegal within Lincoln City limits.  Those convicted of open burning are subject to a maximum fine of $500 and up to six months in jail.

Chris Schroeder, supervisor of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) Air Quality Program, said that older adults and young children are especially sensitive to air pollution.  “Burning creates a fire hazard and produces air pollution that can lead to health complications for people with asthma, lung disease, other respiratory conditions or heart disease,” he said.

In Lincoln, separate collection of grass and leaves is provided by local waste haulers for a fee.  Those who do not subscribe to the special collection have three options:

• Haul it to the North 48th Street Transfer Station, 5101 N. 48th St.  All loads must be covered and secured.
• Hire a lawn service.
• Mulch and compost grass clippings and leaves.

Grass and leaves must be placed in approved containers: paper yard waste bags available from retailers; 32-gallon containers with tight-fitting lids; or 95-gallon containers provided by waste haulers.  The City does not allow yard waste in plastic bags at the compost facility because the bags do not decompose and cause litter problems.  Residents can place their grass and leaves with their household trash from December 1 through March 31.  Tree limbs, garden waste and weeds may be included with regular household garbage year-round, but some refuse haulers require that limbs be cut to certain lengths and bundled.

More information on recycling is available at 402-441-8215 and recycle.lincoln.ne.gov.  More information on air quality regulations or open burning permits is available by contacting Schroeder at 402-441-6272 or cschroeder@lincoln.ne.gov.  For more information about LLCHD, visit health.lincoln.ne.gov.

FROZEN PIPES

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST FROZEN PIPES – With the arrival of cold temperatures, Lincoln Water System (LWS) reminds property owners to take steps to protect pipes from freezing and avoid costly damage or high water bills.  LWS officials say the most common problems involve lawn irrigation systems that have not been properly winterized.  The pipe or backflow device can freeze and break.  Pipes can also freeze along exterior walls, in poorly insulated structures and in unheated basements, crawl spaces, attached garages and cabinets.

LWS recommends the following precautions:

• Properly drain and winterize lawn irrigation systems.
• Remove hoses from exterior faucets.  Most newer homes have freeze-proof faucets which drain water when the hose is removed.  Older homes may have a valve inside the home that can be shut off.
• Make sure all areas with plumbing are heated.  Space heaters should only be used according to manufacturer instructions and only when supervised.
• If pipes are concealed in accessible spaces near exterior walls, open cabinet doors to allow warmer air to reach the pipes.
• Heat tape should be installed according to manufacturer instructions or by a licensed plumber.
• Running a small amount of water from a kitchen or bathroom faucet for short intervals will usually keep pipes from freezing.  About one cup of water every minute is recommended.
• Locate the water shut-off valve in advance to allow immediate access if there is a leak or break in the plumbing system.  The valves are usually near the water meter.

If your pipes freeze, LWS recommends contacting a licensed plumber to locate the problem and safely thaw and repair any broken pipes.  Never use a flame or high heat device to thaw pipes as this may damage piping or cause a fire.

For more information on LWS, visit lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: water).

Lincoln: Mayor’s Office OUTLINES BLUEPRINT FOR PROGRESS

Mayor Chris Beutler said Lincoln has become a world class city that can compete with “anyone, anytime, anywhere.”  And he said the community’s experience with Pinnacle Bank Arena and the West Haymarket has given it a “Blueprint for Progress” that will guide the City to more success.  The Mayor’s comments were part of his State of the City Address delivered this morning at a breakfast event organized by Leadership Lincoln.

“At the end of day, a Blueprint for Progress is only as good as the community that steps forward and accepts responsibility for creating change,” Beutler said.  “Over the last decade we have rediscovered that we have limitless possibilities when we come together and focus our talent and energy on a vision for the future.  That’s why the Pinnacle Bank Arena represents so much more to me than simply an entertainment venue.   It is a shining beacon of what we can accomplish when leadership, passion and purpose converge.  It gave us the confidence to take on new and bigger challenges in our quest to become a world class city. It taught us that when we work together, there are no obstacles too big to overcome and no boundaries to our collective imagination”

Beutler said the Blueprint for Progress includes four keys:

Economic investment – Mayor Beutler said projects like the Scheels expansion, the 9th and “O” development and the City Centre project demonstrate the importance and wise use of the City’s economic development tools.  “The message from these and dozens of other private public projects is simple,” he said.  “It’s the private sector risk takers and dreamers who make growth happen. When we have the public tools to support them, Lincoln wins.”

21st century education – “We must continue to partner with LPS, UNL, SCC, Wesleyan and all of the other educational institutions that maintain Lincoln’s key growth advantage – knowledge,” Beutler said.  He cited the City’s collaboration with LPS on the Community Learning Centers; the City’s work to provide all students with high-speed, wireless Internet service; UNL’s Innovation Campus, which builds the City’s reputation as a hub of the Silicon Prairie; and the need to provide all residents with lifelong learning opportunities through a modern library system.

Innovation – The City’s invested $700,000 from the Fast Forward Fund to create the Lincoln Broadband Project, which has already partnered with eight private telecommunications providers to improve access to next generation broadband and wireless infrastructure.  As a result, Beutler said, 10 new companies have opened offices in Lincoln; 400 new jobs have been created with over $20 million in new annual salaries; and $250 million has been invested in private broadband infrastructure over the past two years.  “Bold ideas like the Lincoln Broadband Project return exponential benefits to our citizens and inspire them to build more, dream bigger, and invest in their fellow citizens,” he said.

World class infrastructure – The City has increased spending on streets by 58 percent since 2010, but Beutler said more needs to be done.  “Several large economic development projects are slowed because we do not have the City funds needed to improve Rokeby Road, slowing development that will create good paying construction jobs and expand our tax base,” he said.  “The lesson is clear:  we miss critical opportunities when we don’t adequately fund our roads budget.”   The Mayor said he is confident the new Lincoln Citizens’ Transportation Coalition, a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, will identify strategies to advance the City’s roads program over the next 20 years.

“The last decade has been a time of historic change in Lincoln,” Mayor Beutler said.  “The Blueprint for Progress has been the common thread to our successes, and we will continue to use it to drive the four key ideas that are building our future:  economic investment, a 21st century education, innovation and world class infrastructure.”

The breakfast also included the presentation of the Leadership Lincoln Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Marilyn Moore, who was an LPS teacher and administrator for 40 years.  The new Moore Middle School is named in her honor.  Moore also served as President of the Bryan College of Health Sciences and has been involved with many local organizations, including the Lincoln Children’s Museum, the Food Bank of Lincoln and the Lied Center Advisory Board.

Leadership Lincoln Executive Director Mick Hale also spoke on the State of Leadership Lincoln.  The organization has four programs – the Executive Series, the Fellows Program, Youth Leadership Lincoln and the Academy for Local Leadership (Project ALL).

The text of the State of the City Address will be available on the City website at lincoln.ne.gov.   The speech will also be aired on LNKTV City (Allo channel 2, Spectrum channel 1300 and Kinetic channel 5) and available through YouTube.

Source: InterLinc: City of Lincoln: Mayor’s Office: 2017 Media Releases

September

• Portion of South 56th Street to Close Monday
• Eastbound Capitol Parkway Reduced to Single Lane Until September 27
• Section of N. 33rd Street to Reopen Tomorrow
• Lincoln City Libraries Seeks Public Input on Facilities Plan
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection Scheduled for Saturday September 30th
• Mayor Outlines Blueprint for Progress
• Seniors Invited to Participate in Aging Partners Events September 25 – October 1
• Temporary Road Closures on Friday for UNL Homecoming
• New Ordinance Gives Ridesharing a Green Light
• Temporary Road Closures Near Capitol Begin Thursday
• Portion of South 9th Street to Close September 25
• Pickleball Courts Temporarily Closed This Weekend
• Volunteers Needed for Bowling Lake Park Cleanup
• Hyde Memorial Observatory Celebrates 40th Anniversary
• Seniors Invited to Participate in Aging Partners Events September 18 – 24
• Sections of Two Trails Temporarily Closed
• Portion of Old Cheney Road Closed Until Noon Today
• Lincoln City Libraries Closed on September 15
• Portion of Old Cheney Road Closed Today
• Councilwoman Cyndi Lamm’s Northeast Citizens’ Meeting Thursday, September 21, 2017
• Aging Partners Invites Public to Resource Fairs September 13 and 14
• LPD ‘O’ Street Traffic Enforcement Results
• “Back to School” Traffic Enforcement Project Results
• Seniors Invited to Participate in Aging Partners Events September 11 Through 17
• Nature Center Hosts Fall Events
• East Yankee Hill Road Open to Through Traffic
• Open House for Cooper Park Improvements Set for September 12
• Lincoln City Libraries Announces 2017 One Book-One Lincoln Title
• Aging Partners Health and Fitness Center Moving
• Lincoln City Libraries Seeks Public Input on Facilities Plan
• September is “National Preparedness Month”
• Public Invited to Bobby Layne Orchestra Concert
• City Crews Continue to Respond to Storm Debris Service Requests
• Seniors Invited to Participate in Aging Partners Events September 4 Through 10
• Public Invited to Senior Center Picnic in Bennet

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Lincoln Libraries to Assist with Job Searches

LINCOLN CITY LIBRARIES PROVIDES JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE

Lincoln City Libraries and the Prosper Lincoln invite the public to a series of programs to help people find jobs that lead to full-time careers. Volunteers trained by Prosper Lincoln will help job seekers find and correctly apply for positions online.  No registration or appointments are required.
The program is available at the following locations:
·        Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 S. 14th St. – Tuesdays, noon to 2 p.m. and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
·        Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior Street – Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Prosper Lincoln is a shared community agenda focusing on improving early childhood, employment skills and innovation and entrepreneurship in Lincoln.
For information on the resources available at Lincoln City Libraries, visit lincolnlibraries.org.  For information about Prosper Lincoln, visit prosperlincoln.org.

Road Repairs – LINCOLN ON THE MOVE

This is a Long post with lots of details.              

Mayor Chris Beutler today said the record pace of street construction, repair and maintenance will continue this year, with a goal of adding 2.6 miles of new arterials, 10.3 miles of arterial improvements and 427 blocks of residential rehabilitation.  And he said the “Lincoln on the Move” initiative is helping to build a “leading edge” community.  (A list of the major projects follows this release.)  
“Our transportation network is fundamental to the future of our City,” Mayor Beutler said.  “It’s how we will keep moving Lincoln ahead economically, moving Lincoln forward to maintain livable neighborhoods, moving Lincoln in the right direction on safety and convenience, and moving Lincoln to the top of those national lists for our business climate and quality of life.”
Beutler said the City’s transportation team uses smart planning and communication to coordinate the large amount of both public and private construction activity across the community.  Miki Esposito, Director of the Public Works and Utilities Department, said the work begins months and even years ahead of construction.
“There are many steps and many people involved in that planning and coordination,” Esposito said.  “We explore whether the project requires more than one construction season; which stakeholders, utility companies, institutions or agencies need to be informed of the project; when is the proper time for construction; and how the project impacts other transportation movements, closures or detours in the City.”
Esposito said a weekly “huddle” meeting brings the City transportation team together with utilities and private entities to look at all the projects under way.  They look at closures, detours and whether different types of work can be done at the same time.  The huddle group also coordinates the public information needed for the projects.  For the current 16th Street project, for example, the City mailed 380 letters, distributed over 200 door hangers, held public meetings, partnered with the neighborhood association, installed message boards and updated information on the website.  Beutler and Esposito encouraged the public to stay informed on construction activities by visiting lincoln.ne.gov (keywords: projects and closures)
Another example of coordination, Esposito said, is the restructuring of right of way management, consolidating all the functions into a single unit.
“Most people drive, walk or bike every day without realizing the huge underground infrastructure network beneath them — water lines, fiber optic, gas pipes, electric lines, phone, cable and more,” she said.  “When construction occurs, it is necessary to locate all of that underground infrastructure in order to avoid hitting them. The new cross-trained team takes advantage of asset management software to map what is located underground and share that data with both the City team and the private sector.”
In addition to street work, the City will also be working on other infrastructure projects including sidewalk repair.   (A list of the major projects follows this release.)  
“Through our Green Light Lincoln program, we are upgrading traffic signal systems with smart technology that keeps traffic moving more safely and efficiently,” he said.  “Our right of way team is helping private contractors install miles of new fiber optics to bring high speed broadband service to every business and home across the community.  It all comes together as ‘Lincoln on the Move,’ our program specifically engineered to get Lincoln residents – as well as goods and services – where they need to go safely and conveniently.”
 
KEY PROJECTS PLANNED FOR 2017

Northwest
·      11th Street water main replacement from “O” to “Q” streets
·      N. 10th Street over Salt Creek north of Military Road – bridge replacement and new sidewalk with trail connection
·      14th and Superior roundabout – permanent safety improvements
·      S. 27th Street water main replacement from Laurel to Calvert streets and from Woods Blvd. to Kessler Blvd.
·      N. 27th Street rehabilitation from Holdrege Street to Fletcher Ave.
·      27th Street interchange at Interstate 80 – bridge and concrete repairs
Southwest
·      16th Street reconstruction from “A” to “F” streets
·      “D” Street water main replacement from 12th to 20th streets
·      20th and Calvert streets drainage system replacement
·      Jackson Drive/Woodsdale Blvd. from 27th to 29th streets –  drainage system rehabilitation
·      S. Coddington and W. Van Dorn intersection safety project – construction of single-lane roundabout and new sidewalks
Northeast
·      33rd Street from Holdrege to Madison – road rehabilitation and storm drainage improvements
·      Fletcher Ave. water main replacement from 56th to 60th streets
·      Superior Street rehabilitation from 27th Street to Cornhusker Hwy.
·      56th and Morton drainage improvement project – channel widening and replacement of box culvert
·      Adams Street wastewater pipeline installation from 41st to 42nd streets
·      Fremont Street water main replacement from Touzalin Ave. to 70th Street
·      56th and Colfax drainage improvements
·      Cleveland Ave. water main replacement from Cotner Blvd. to Leonard Street
·      98th Street and Boathouse to “O” Street and Anthony Lane – wastewater pipeline installation
·      Anthony Lane wastewater pipeline installation from “O” Street to YMCA Spirit Park
Southeast
·      S. 44th Street wastewater pipeline rehabilitation and replacement from High Street to Antelope Creek Road
·      44th Street drainage improvements from Calvert to High streets
·      84th and Old Cheney bike path underpass rehabilitation
·      Old Cheney rehabilitation from  40th St. to Hwy. 2
·      Normal Blvd. rehabilitation from South to 56th streets
·      South Sumner wastewater pipeline rehabilitation and replacement from  Normal Blvd. to 40th Street
·      Jefferson Ave. wastewater pipeline rehabilitation and replacement from Ryons to Garfield streets
·      Beal Slough trunk sewer installation from 33rd to 56th streets
·      Yankee Hill Rd. reconstruction and widening from 70th Street to Hwy. 2 and installation of roundabouts

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
555 S. 10th Street, Lincoln, NE  68508, 402-441-7511