This past week saw a few trail updates and closures come across the bike radar. There are currently signs up along the Bison Trail notifying us of an imminent closure. There is erosion management grading scheduled to take place soon under Hwy 77. Finding another safe route around that section is tricky, so I hope it wraps up quickly.
As far as projects expected to begin this year, first there is the Beal Slough (city website):
“This project will extend the Helen Boosalis Trail from S. 56th St. and London Road southeast through the Beal Slough greenway to Pine Lake Road and then continuing to S. 70th and Yankee Hill Road. Funding is being provided by the federal Transportation Alternatives program with matching funds collected from Impact Fees in the district. At this time construction is planned to begin in early 2026.”
Next, “The Chris Beutler Trail will connect the north end of the Jamaica North Trail, which currently ends at 4th and J Streets, to the intersection of the Pinnacle Arena Trail and the N Street Cycle Track at approximately 6th and N Streets. The Great Plains Trails Network has completed funding for this project, and its construction is anticipated as part of Phase 1 of the South Haymarket Park development which is under construction and anticipated to finish in fall 2026.”
Then, next year we’re hoping for the Waterford Trail, Old Cheney Undercrossing, and trail widening on the Rock Island.
“The project starts with a trail connection at the 84th Street Trail near the SE corner of 84th Street and College Park Rd. This 10-foot-wide, 5-inch-thick concrete trail will then continue east through Southeast Community College Campus, Waterford Estates, a future neighborhood park site, and Robinson Elementary School. It will end at 104th Street and Holdrege Street where the future Stevens Creek Trail connection will begin. Funding is being provided by the Federal Transportation Alternatives Program with matching funds collected from Impact Fees in the district. At this time, construction is anticipated in 2027.”
The PBAC November Minutes yielded the following nuggets.
The Rock Island Undercrossing at Old Cheney is on schedule for August 2027. They have completed the engineering plan and are moving forward in the process.
Rock Island Widening Project, August 2027 schedule. Identifying detours is the main challenge, similar infrastructure rerouting required for such projects.
West O Streetscape Enhancement Plan Trail/Sidewalk Update – 22nd – 40th will be standard sidewalk width and 40th -48th will be standard 10ft trail with a bit of curves and buffers with trees. 3 bus shelter improvements are in the plan, pedestrian nodes focused along with a concrete barrier and street trees for comfort. One season project, done by the end of 2026. The trail would currently connect north at 48th, with a future connection south at 40th that connects with the West A trail on the East end. Of concern are the wide intersections and timing intervals. Staff reported those will not have decorative crossing paint but some redesigns in the pedestrian curbs have been modified a bit to lessen the distances in the final streetscape design. (I have concerns about this as well. The trail will be on the north side of the Highway, and the business park is on the south side).
More details can be found here: West O Streetscape Enhancement Plan – City of Lincoln. Project O Street will also improve the 9 th & 10th street corridors. As to city code about sidewalk riding downtown, the redesign will have a bike lane that will be sidewalk level and code changes necessary downtown to accommodate the project intent. More details can be found at Project “O” Street – City of Lincoln, NE