Omaha Resident with Visual Impairment Navigates Streetcar Construction

Ongoing downtown Omaha streetcar project creates challenges for people with disabilities.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:08pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph depicting a blurred urban streetscape with a chain-link fence and construction equipment, conveying the disorienting experience of navigating construction as a person with a visual impairment.As Omaha's streetcar construction continues, visually impaired residents face new challenges navigating the changing landscape of their downtown neighborhood.Omaha Today

Erica Miller, a downtown Omaha resident with a visual impairment, is struggling to navigate the ongoing streetcar construction in her neighborhood. The chain link fences and blocked sidewalks make it difficult for her to safely get to work, and she has nearly been hit by cars while trying to cross the street. Other visually impaired residents in the area have also faced challenges, including getting stuck on uneven brick surfaces and having trouble finding accessible parking. The city says they are working to assist people with disabilities on a case-by-case basis, but more needs to be done to improve accessibility and safety during the construction project.

Why it matters

The Omaha streetcar project is a major infrastructure undertaking that is impacting all residents, but it is posing unique challenges for people with disabilities who rely on accessible sidewalks and crossings to get around. This story highlights how construction projects can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and the need for better planning and accommodations to ensure equal access.

The details

Erica Miller, who can only see using her peripheral vision, says the chain link fences and blocked sidewalks around the streetcar construction make it hard for her to navigate the area. She has nearly been hit by cars while trying to cross the street. Other visually impaired residents, like a couple who live outside of downtown, have also faced issues like getting their walkers stuck on uneven brick surfaces and having to cancel dinner plans due to lack of accessible parking. The city says they are working to assist people with disabilities on a case-by-case basis, but Erica and others think more needs to be done, such as placing street closure signs further up the road and adding lighting to make the fences more visible.

  • The streetcar construction in downtown Omaha has been ongoing for several months.
  • Erica Miller relies on the sidewalks in her downtown Omaha neighborhood to get to work every day.

The players

Erica Miller

A downtown Omaha resident with a visual impairment who struggles to navigate the streetcar construction in her neighborhood.

Omaha Public Works

The city department responsible for the streetcar construction project and assisting people with disabilities affected by the project.

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What they’re saying

“I'm up, you know, a couple feet away from the gate. I'm like, 'Oh, this sidewalk is closed.' So it's kind of a little embarrassing to like, kind of be like, 'Oh, I'm like, right where I'm not supposed to be.'”

— Erica Miller, Visually impaired Omaha resident

“It's even more of a challenge on the bricks out there. Sometimes my walker will get stuck or pitch forward.”

— Unnamed visually impaired Omaha resident

“I don't think it's practical right now for someone with a visual impairment to try and even be navigating by themselves.”

— Unnamed visually impaired Omaha resident

What’s next

Omaha Public Works says they are open to hearing from any residents with disabilities who are struggling with the streetcar construction and will connect them with the appropriate construction managers to address their concerns on a case-by-case basis.

The takeaway

This story highlights the need for better planning and accessibility accommodations during major infrastructure projects like the Omaha streetcar to ensure equal access and safety for all residents, including those with disabilities who rely on public sidewalks and crossings.