The City of Lincoln has completed a significant improvement project on South 40th Street, stretching from Yankee Hill Road to Rokeby Road. This vital infrastructure upgrade, managed by Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU), focused on widening approximately one mile of 40th Street to enhance traffic flow and safety. The project also incorporated crucial drainage improvements and addressed key intersections at Prairie Wind Road and Hohensee Drive, all contributing to a better and safer 40th Street for Lincoln residents.
Project Breakdown: Two Key Phases on 40th Street
To efficiently manage the improvements, the 40th Street project was divided into two distinct parts:
Project 1: 40th Street and Rokeby Road Intersection Enhancements
This initial phase concentrated on upgrading the busy intersection of 40th Street and Rokeby Road. Improvements here were critical to managing traffic flow and enhancing safety at this key junction.
Project 2: 40th Street Roadway Improvements (Rokeby Road to Yankee Hill Road)
The second phase tackled the roadway itself, focusing on the stretch of 40th Street from north of Rokeby Road all the way to Yankee Hill Road. This was further broken down into:
- Phase 1: Improvements from Wilderness Hills Boulevard to Yankee Hill Road.
- Phase 2: Improvements from Rokeby Road to Wilderness Hills Boulevard.
These comprehensive improvements along 40th Street prioritize pedestrian safety. The addition of 5-foot sidewalks, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and ADA-compliant curb ramps at crossings ensures safer and more accessible pathways for pedestrians. All upgrades are designed to meet the latest safety and design standards, making 40th Street a safer corridor for everyone.
Investing in Lincoln’s Infrastructure: Funding for 40th Street
This significant 40th Street improvement project represents a substantial investment in Lincoln’s infrastructure, with an estimated total cost of $16 million. Funding was strategically sourced from a combination of:
- Highway Allocation Funds: State funds dedicated to road improvements.
- Street Improvement Vehicle Tax (Wheel Tax): Local funding generated through vehicle registration fees, specifically allocated for street enhancements.
- Impact Fees: A forward-thinking funding mechanism where developers contribute upfront funds for infrastructure improvements needed to support new development. These funds are then repaid over time through impact fees collected from new construction within the project area. This innovative approach ensures that growth areas have the necessary infrastructure, like improved roads such as 40th Street, sooner.
Learn more about impact fees and how they contribute to Lincoln’s growth.
Project Timeline: 40th Street Improvements from 2022-2024
The 40th Street project was carefully scheduled to minimize disruption and ensure timely completion.
Project 1 Timeline: Construction for the 40th Street and Rokeby Road intersection took place throughout 2022 and 2023.
Project 2 Timeline: Roadway improvements on 40th Street were carried out from 2023 into 2024.
Key Milestones in the 40th Street Project Schedule
| Year | Month | Project Phase | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | August | Projects 1 & 2 | Projects Begin |
| 2020 | Aug – Dec | Projects 1 & 2 | Field Work |
| 2020 | December | Project 1 | Preliminary Design Begins |
| 2021 | Jan – May | Project 1 | Preliminary Design |
| 2021 | Feb – Nov | Project 2 | Preliminary Design Continues |
| 2021 | May | Projects 1 & 2 | Preliminary Design Public Meeting* |
| 2021 | May – Aug | Project 1 | Right-of-Way Activities |
| 2021 | December | Project 1 | Final Design Completion |
| 2021 | December | Project 2 | Right-of-Way Activities Begin |
| 2022 | Jan – April | Project 2 | Right-of-Way Activities Continue |
| 2022 | March | Project 1 | Construction Bid Advertisement |
| 2022 | Apr – mid-2023 | Project 1 | Construction |
| 2022 | December | Project 2 | Final Design Completion |
| 2023 | February | Project 2 | Construction Bid Advertisement |
| 2023 | April 13 | Project 2 | Pre-construction Public Meeting* |
| 2023 | Spring – Fall | Project 2 | Construction |
| 2024 | Spring – Summer | Project 2 | Construction |
*Public outreach occurred within 30 days prior to these meetings.
Keeping the Public Informed: Involvement in the 40th Street Project
Public input was a valuable component of the 40th Street improvement process. LTU held public meetings to ensure residents were informed and had opportunities to provide feedback.
Pre-Construction Public Meeting: Held on April 13, 2023, at Southwood Lutheran Church, providing residents with details about the upcoming construction phase of the 40th Street project.
Design Online Public Meeting: An online meeting was held from May 11-25, 2021, allowing for broader public access to design plans and project information. View the Open House Invitation and Meeting Presentation for more details about the design phase of the 40th Street enhancements.
Project Contacts for 40th Street
For any inquiries regarding the 40th Street Improvement Project, please reference Project # 705289.
- Consulting Firm: Schemmer
- Contractor: Hawkins
This 40th Street project underscores the City of Lincoln’s commitment to improving infrastructure, enhancing safety, and accommodating growth for its community. The upgrades along 40th Street will benefit residents and commuters for years to come.
