First Rails for Omaha Streetcar to be Installed This Week

The long-awaited project reaches a major milestone as crews prepare to lay the first sections of track.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A blurred, dreamlike photograph of a downtown Omaha street, with the faint outlines of streetcar tracks and construction equipment visible through a hazy, warm-toned wash of color and light, conceptually representing the progress and anticipation surrounding the Omaha Streetcar project.The installation of the first rails for the Omaha Streetcar project signals the city's commitment to building a modern, efficient public transportation system.Omaha Today

The first rails for the Omaha streetcar project are set to be installed on the morning of Wednesday, April 7, 2026, marking a significant milestone that pushes the project closer to its goal of carrying passengers by 2028. Crews will begin work at 3 a.m. to avoid rush hour traffic and will start by leveling 10th Street where the rails will sit, ensuring the path is flat and that the streetcar's underground communications and power lines are covered.

Why it matters

The Omaha Streetcar project has been in the works for years, and the installation of the first rails represents a major step forward in bringing this public transportation system to the city. Once completed, the streetcar is expected to provide a convenient and eco-friendly way for residents and visitors to navigate downtown Omaha.

The details

Two 160-foot sections of rail, currently stored at 11th and Farnum, will be moved to 10th Street between Capitol and Dodge. After the rails are in the ground, workers will add final support and insulation, and then pour concrete roughly two weeks from now to lock the rails in place. The city plans to repeat this process at other locations along the streetcar route, eventually connecting all sections.

  • The first rails will be installed on the morning of Wednesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Work to install the rails will begin just after 3 a.m. on Wednesday to avoid the morning rush hour.
  • Crews will pour concrete to lock the rails in place roughly two weeks after the initial installation.

The players

Michael True

The project manager for the City of Omaha.

Steve Jensen

An Omaha Streetcar Authority board member.

Cheri Loud

A North Omaha neighbor who is excited to see the project's progress.

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What they’re saying

“You don't want to just pull this in amongst cars as they try to commute in the morning. So for safety, we're gonna do it at this time of day.”

— Michael True, Project Manager, City of Omaha

“We can now begin to talk about the excitement of the rail being put in place and the vehicles coming in '28.”

— Steve Jensen, Omaha Streetcar Authority Board Member

“I'm ready to see what it's gonna look like. I'm ready to see the outcome of it.”

— Cheri Loud, North Omaha Neighbor

What’s next

The city plans to repeat the rail installation process at other locations along the streetcar route, eventually connecting all sections. The goal is to begin carrying riders by the third quarter of 2028.

The takeaway

The installation of the first rails for the Omaha Streetcar project marks a significant milestone in the city's efforts to bring a modern, efficient public transportation system to its residents. This project has been years in the making, and the excitement surrounding its progress is palpable among both city officials and the local community.