Roadways bring dismay
As a part of the John Creighton Boulevard (JCB) Stormwater Conveyance Sewer Project, neighborhood amenities are provided through projects in sewer separation, sewer backups, and improvements in water quality from N 33rd Street to N 38th. Photo by Paige Anthony
November 1, 2018
Construction and road work blanket roadways as citizens of Omaha commute to work, school, and maneuver across town daily.
There are 19 public works projects underway in Omaha, as directed by the City of Omaha Public Works.
The Keep Omaha Moving initiative lists these projects on their website, as well as the timeframe for the development of design and construction of roadways.
On 30th Street from Cuming Street to Ames Avenue-a goal was set to improve vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Mayor Jean Stothert announced the planning of 58 street resurfacing projects for 2018 with an expected cost of $15.5 million in her State of the City Address in February 2018.
Perceived as a block to local businesses, the Department assured that road work will not limit access to adjacent properties. At times, access may be limited due to phasing requirements.
There are four major phases in road construction projects.
In phase one, planning and preparation is done by land surveyors who create markers on the road, guiding the construction crew.
Phase two is the installation of utilities like storm drains and new piping systems, and phase three is the actual building of the road. After utilities are installed, the road building phase begins with the installation of sidewalks and painting of the roads according to Pickens Construction of South Carolina.
The final phase includes landscaping and site cleanup.
Many improvements are underway at the intersection of 72nd and Maple. In 2015, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Safety Committee identified the intersection as a high crash location.
Amanda Gregory, 11, uses her car as a means of transportation to school.
“I’ve actually been late to school because traffic was so backed up on Ames,” said Gregory.
Although the construction acts as a blockade or hinderance to drivers, the new and improved roads will be beneficial to the safety of drivers.
“We are about 50 years behind where we should be as far as resurfacing and repair. I can’t catch up on 50 years of neglect in three or four years,” Mayor Jean Stothert said in 2016.
