Omaha’s Public Works Department will break ground on the Fort Street widening project on Oct. 26, converting the two‑lane stretch between 120th and 126th streets into a four‑lane thoroughfare. The upgrade includes a grass‑median separation, new sidewalks on both sides of the road, and a new bridge spanning Big Papio Creek. The city estimates the construction will last roughly one year.
Neighborhood impact and resident concerns
During the construction phase, Fort Street will be reduced to a single lane heading west, forcing drivers to detour through residential streets near 126th Street. Local homeowner Robert Hillebran, whose property sits within the work zone, acknowledges the inconvenience but stresses the long‑term benefits for northwest Omaha. “Everyone is just going to have to realize there’s going to be adjustments,” Hillebran said. “It’s not going to go the way you hope or want, things just happen.”
Hillebran pointed to the nearby Tranquility Park sports complex at 120th and Maple as a key reason for the improvements. The park, currently split by the construction, is also undergoing renovations to its soccer fields. “If you are going to use that sports complex as a money maker, you’ve got to have not only the access to it, but you have to have the facilities right too,” he added.
City officials address the challenges
Public Works Design Division Manager Brian Lodes recognized the difficulty residents face navigating the area during rush hour. “It’s tough because they live in a situation right now where it’s a two‑lane rural section, and there is a lot of traffic going up and down Fort Street, so it’s tough for them to get out of their neighborhoods, especially during rush hour,” Lodes explained.
Lodes emphasized that the city’s plan includes careful traffic management and clear signage to minimize disruption. He also noted that the new median and sidewalks are intended to improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians once the project is complete.
Looking ahead
Hillebran expressed optimism that the construction will proceed smoothly if the contractors follow the city’s guidelines. “If they are doing everything the way they say they are, that shouldn’t be an issue,” he said. “If they are taking the care they said they were, I don’t think that would be an issue. I’m not going to say it will not be, but it shouldn’t be.”
The Fort Street widening is part of Omaha’s broader effort to modernize its transportation network, accommodate growing traffic volumes, and support community amenities such as Tranquility Park. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about detour routes and construction updates through the city’s official website and local news outlets.
What residents can do
- Check the city’s online traffic map for real‑time detour information.
- Plan extra travel time during peak hours.
- Report any safety hazards to the Public Works Department at (402) 555‑1234.
The city will hold a public information session next month to address additional questions and provide detailed timelines for the project’s phases.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
