Lincoln Details $35 Million Overhaul of Downtown O Street
City officials say Project O Street, to be built in three phases from late 2025 through fall 2027, is the largest downtown investment in nearly 50 years, though some residents worry about the effect of closures on small businesses.
By Aiko Yamamoto ·
Lincoln officials on Tuesday outlined a $35 million plan to rebuild O Street downtown, a project the city describes as its largest downtown investment in nearly 50 years.
Known as Project O Street, the effort grew out of the Downtown Corridors Pilot Project. Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird called it "a generational investment in our community that's going to enhance our quality of life and grow economic opportunity for people in Lincoln far into the future."
The work includes replacing or resurfacing streets, adding new sidewalks and crosswalks, upgrading lighting and improving landscaping. Crews will also install a new water main and replace a lead water line. Funding will come from Lincoln on the Move, the Nebraska Department of Transportation and tax-increment financing.
The main focus is O Street between Ninth and 16th streets. The project also covers 14th Street from N to P streets and 11th Street from O to Q streets.
Construction will be divided into three phases. The first, covering O Street from 14th to 16th streets, is set to run from late fall 2025 to fall 2026. The second, on O Street from 11th to 14th streets, is planned for spring 2026 to fall 2026. The third, between Ninth and 11th streets, is scheduled from summer 2026 to fall 2027.
At times, full street and sidewalk closures will be necessary. The city said it will try to limit disruption during busy periods such as Nebraska football season, and that it is in contact with businesses to help keep construction efficient.
Some downtown residents voiced concern. "O Street is one of the main streets in Lincoln," said Charlie Petelle. "So I can just imagine how inconvenient that would be." Another resident, Marques Turner, said the project "sounds stupid" given the number of small businesses in the area, adding that closing the street and discouraging foot and vehicle traffic "is going to be a lot of money out of their pockets."
Gaylor Baird said the city's approach is to move quickly. "We want to get in, do the work, get it done and get out quickly to minimize disruption and create great outcomes for our community," she said.
A longtime downtown resident who spoke at the city's press conference, Randy Hawthorne, praised the plan. "This infrastructure improvement to downtown will make everyone feel safer to come downtown and feel more connected," he said.
Originally published by News Media House · Source: KLKN-TV Channel 8
