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Downtown Omaha is seeing record crowds for state wrestling at the CHI Health Center Omaha, but fans are also navigating heavy construction tied to the city’s streetcar project.The ongoing work has led to lane closures and shifting traffic patterns near the arena during a busy week. With thousands of families traveling in and out of downtown, congestion has become a common sight before and after matches.Alyssa Smith with Omaha Public Works says there are ways drivers can avoid the worst of the backups.“I would definitely encourage people to kind of loop around the 480 and take that Capital exit and then utilize Capital Ave. to 10th or use Cuming Street to be able to come in and just kind of stay on the north side of downtown.”Smith also says some adjustments are already being made. Certain lane restrictions along 10th Street are expected to ease into the weekend. Douglas Street has also been converted to two-way traffic to help vehicles exit the area more efficiently. Drivers are being asked to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.“We just really encourage everyone to pack their patience. It will take a couple minutes longer,” Smith said. In a statement, Assistant Director of Transportation Services Austin Rowser said, “We appreciate everyone’s patience with the inconvenience of construction zones and their impact on getting to and leaving an event.”Smith is also reminding drivers and pedestrians to prioritize safety.“Just slow down, be courteous of everyone around you. Safety is obviously our number one priority for everybody. So drivers and pedestrians alike.”Officials add that using navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze can help drivers stay updated on open routes and roadway changes throughout the weekend.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
Downtown Omaha is seeing record crowds for state wrestling at the CHI Health Center Omaha, but fans are also navigating heavy construction tied to the city’s streetcar project.
The ongoing work has led to lane closures and shifting traffic patterns near the arena during a busy week. With thousands of families traveling in and out of downtown, congestion has become a common sight before and after matches.
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Alyssa Smith with Omaha Public Works says there are ways drivers can avoid the worst of the backups.
“I would definitely encourage people to kind of loop around the 480 and take that Capital exit and then utilize Capital Ave. to 10th or use Cuming Street to be able to come in and just kind of stay on the north side of downtown.”
Smith also says some adjustments are already being made. Certain lane restrictions along 10th Street are expected to ease into the weekend. Douglas Street has also been converted to two-way traffic to help vehicles exit the area more efficiently.
Drivers are being asked to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
“We just really encourage everyone to pack their patience. It will take a couple minutes longer,” Smith said.
In a statement, Assistant Director of Transportation Services Austin Rowser said, “We appreciate everyone’s patience with the inconvenience of construction zones and their impact on getting to and leaving an event.”
Smith is also reminding drivers and pedestrians to prioritize safety.
“Just slow down, be courteous of everyone around you. Safety is obviously our number one priority for everybody. So drivers and pedestrians alike.”
Officials add that using navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze can help drivers stay updated on open routes and roadway changes throughout the weekend.
Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
