Posted: 6:55 PM Aug 17, 2012
Reporter: Courtesy: Office of the City Mayor

Mayor Chris Beutler welcomes visitors to Lincoln for Husker football games and says Nebraska’s Capital City is ready to accommodate fans and game-day traffic. The Huskers home season begins Sept. 1.

Drivers and pedestrians will notice freshly paved downtown streets as well as the completion of the six-lane Antelope Valley Parkway from the Devaney Center to Capitol Parkway. Other projects are under way in the downtown and Haymarket areas:

• Construction continues in the West Haymarket area for the new Pinnacle Bank Arena and related redevelopment. Work is under way west of 7th Street, and construction zone signs are posted. Do not enter areas marked with either orange fence or chain link fence.
• Fencing will be in place on the south side of “R” Street from 8th to 9th streets because of the new hotel construction, and the street may be closed for the first two games.
• The renovation of Nebraska’s Centennial Mall has closed the roadway (the equivalent of 15th Street) from “N” to “O” streets. That segment is expected to re-open in late September, and at that time, the roadway will close from “O” to “P” streets. In the construction zone, pedestrians are protected by fencing that creates walkways along the east and west perimeters of the Mall.

The Mayor encourages fans to check the City website at lincoln.ne.gov for the latest information on street construction and on City programs to help beat game-day traffic and parking challenges:

• Travel to and from games on StarTran’s Big Red Express (startran.lincoln.ne.gov).
• Reserve pre-paid event parking at City garages (parkandgo.org).
• Purchase a $9 tag for all-day, on-street parking in metered stalls from any City parking employee wearing a Park & Go shirt at City-operated parking facilities.

The Mayor also encourages fans to enjoy Lincoln by arriving early and lingering downtown after games.

Those traveling downtown need to be aware that parking violations and towing are now more expensive. Meters are enforced Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the following fine system is in effect:

• If the ticket is paid online within seven days from when it is written, the fine is $9.
• If the ticket is paid in person or through the mail within seven days, the fine is $10.
• If the ticket is paid after seven days, the fine is $25 (in person or by mail) or $24 (online).

The City also has implemented a $50 towing fine for vehicles towed by order of the Police or a Parking Control Officer. The fine is charged in addition to the $49.53 required to get a vehicle out of the impoundment lot. The towing fine does not apply to cars towed from a private lot.

On football game days, Interstate 80 exits at I-180/Downtown and 27th Street can be very congested, so visitors are encouraged to use other routes into Lincoln:
• From the east, take the Hwy. 6/Cornhusker Hwy. exit (409). Turn south at State Fair Park Drive and west on Salt Creek Roadway to reach Memorial Stadium, the Champion’s Club and parking facilities east of the stadium and in the Haymarket.
• From the west, exit I-80 at Homestead Expressway/Hwy. 77 South, then go east on Rosa Parks Way.
• Those using I-80 who plan to park in the Haymarket Park lots will experience less congestion if they enter Lincoln using the airport exit (399).

Work continues on the North 14th Street project. Fans wishing to enter Lincoln from the north using 14th Street will be detoured to North 27th Street. All other highways will be open, and Interstate I-80 will have at least two lanes open in each direction.

Other traffic reminders:
• After games, 10th Street is one-way northbound from Military Avenue to Sun Valley Boulevard.
• Stadium Drive west of the stadium will be closed to all vehicular traffic. Passenger drop-off and pick-up will not be allowed in front of the stadium before or after the game. Fans can be dropped off and picked up at 10th and Charleston streets and 12th and “R” streets.
• Only StarTran buses and those using UNL lots 12, 22 and 23 or handicapped parking will be allowed west of 16th Street on Vine.
• Charter buses will park on “W” Street between 14th and 16th streets.
• The taxi stand is at 14th and Vine streets.
• Downtown bike lanes are on 14th Street from “L” to “R” streets and on 11th Street from “Q” to “K” streets.


Other general reminders:

• Alcohol is prohibited on City streets, parking lots, garages and sidewalks including the trail between Haymarket Park and 8th Street.
• The sale of tickets, souvenirs or other items is not allowed on City streets or sidewalks. Officers will issue citations for violations that inhibit the use of the street or sidewalk.
• Lock your vehicle and put valuable items out of sight to prevent theft.
• Backpacks and umbrellas are not allowed in Memorial Stadium.

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