‘More progress than we’ve seen’: The state of the sinkhole in downtown Omaha

The sidewalk where the sinkhole was at 16th and Farnam has been repaved. But the city says the work isn't done just yet.

Read the full article on KETV 7

‘More progress than we’ve seen’: The state of the sinkhole near 16th and Farnam

OMAHA, Neb. —

Neighbors living near 16th and Farnam are seeing progress on Omaha’s most well-known sinkhole. Recently, the sidewalk was repaved.

Ryan Drent has gotten so used to the construction downtown that he ditched his car for a scooter.

“Because in general, downtown, by the time I get out of a parking garage and go park at work, I can get there three times as fast on a scooter,” Drent said.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Omaha officials say Pacific Street expected to reopen this week after sinkhole

That construction is also in front of where he lives near 16th and Farnam. A garbage truck crashed into a sinkhole in January of last year.

Last week, crews were seen working to make repairs. But it’s been a long road to get there.

“It’s been very challenging, whether you’re a pedestrian or riding a bike or parking a car,” Yenice Heyward said.

The sinkhole was a factor in Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr.’s campaign last year.

“We are here because of this gigantic sinkhole that nothing is being done about, and they can’t get answers,” he said at the time.

WATCH: Drone video shows aftermath of garbage truck crashing into sinkhole in downtown Omaha

Then, the sinkhole caught attention with various signs being put up.

But it’s not just the city that’s responsible for fixing it.

Public Works said there was damage to a city sewer, along with OPPD and MUD infrastructure. The city also had to coordinate with the property owner responsible for the sidewalk where the sinkhole was.

Now, it appears repairs have taken a step forward.

“We have sidewalks, so that’s more progress than we’ve seen period,” Drent said.

The city of Omaha said the contractor for the Regis Building is still completing its work. Once that’s done, Omaha Public Works will finish paving the alley.

“Knowing that people are here and they’re doing the job makes us feel a lot better,” Heyward said.

READ MORE: Trash truck driver removed barricade before crashing into sinkhole, officials say

Heyward said she’s hopeful about the progress that’s been made so far.

“It’s loud. It’s congested at times, but it’s for a bigger picture,” she said.

Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.