Project O Street Preconstruction Begins in Downtown Lincoln

A portion of O Street will close for tree removal and preparatory work ahead of major infrastructure updates.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A repeating grid pattern of a stylized downtown street lamp rendered in bright, neon-like colors, conceptually representing the energy and modernization of an urban infrastructure improvement initiative.A bold, pop art-inspired illustration captures the vibrancy and renewal of Lincoln's downtown infrastructure project.Lincoln Today

The city of Lincoln, Nebraska is kicking off preconstruction work for Project O Street, which will update infrastructure and public spaces along a key downtown corridor. Starting this Sunday, the westbound lanes of O Street will close for tree removal and other preparatory activities, while one lane in each direction will remain open to traffic.

Why it matters

Project O Street represents a significant investment in revitalizing downtown Lincoln, addressing aging infrastructure, improving walkability, and enhancing the overall streetscape. As the city's main commercial thoroughfare, the O Street corridor is crucial for local businesses and residents.

The details

During the preconstruction phase, crews will perform tree removal, minor pavement and sidewalk work, and other preparatory activities. A public open house is scheduled for April 7th to provide information about the planned improvements, construction phasing, and timelines. The full Project O Street will update water mains, replace lead water lines, repave streets, install new sidewalks and crosswalks, improve lighting, and enhance landscaping.

  • The westbound lanes of O Street will close this Sunday, April 2nd, 2026 for preconstruction work.
  • A Project O Street preconstruction open house will take place on April 7th, 2026 from 4-6pm.

The players

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities

The city department overseeing the Project O Street infrastructure improvements.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Project staff will be available at the April 7th open house to answer questions and share more details about the planned construction timeline and phasing.

The takeaway

Project O Street represents a major investment in revitalizing downtown Lincoln, modernizing critical infrastructure, and enhancing the streetscape to support local businesses and improve walkability for residents.