Frequently Asked Questions from Stateholder Focus Groups, Public Meetings and Website Participants

Q: Why is the City doing this project?
A: The primary purpose is to improve two closely-spaced intersections with operational problems and higher than average accident rates by creating a single, four-legged intersection where traffic can move more safely and efficiently.

Q: How wide will the intersection be? How many traffic lanes will it have?
A: Initially, there will be five lanes on each approach: two left turn lanes, two through lanes, and one right turn lane.

Q: What other roads will be affected besides 14th, Old Cheney, and Warlick?
A: The project will also include improvements to the intersections of 16th Street and Old Cheney Road, 14th Street and Salt Valley View, and 14th Street and Cushman Drive. On a larger scale, this project will improve traffic patterns throughout a larger southwest Lincoln area.

Q: Will the intersection of Old Cheney at Highway 77 stay open, or will it be closed?
A: This intersection project is based on the assumption that Old Cheney will be open, but that in the future, it could be closing. That decision belongs to the City, County, and State officials.

Q: Did you ever consider a grade-separated intersection for this location?
A: The design team evaluated a "flyover option" for the eastbound to northbound left-turn movement, but for a variety of reasons, this option was not chosen. However, the current design will accommodate that possibility should the City want to pursue it in the future.

Q: With the realignment of Warlick Boulevard, you are converting a through movement to a left-turn movement. Won't the new intersection be congested in the future?
A: Our traffic studies show that this intersection, including this left-turn movement, will operate at acceptable levels of service for projected future traffic volumes.

Q: Design Data and ITI have very attractive buildings and grounds. How will you be sure that this new intersection doesn't detract from their sites?
A: We've been working closely with representatives from both companies to try to minimize impacts on their property. For example, the intersection of 14th Street and Warlick Boulevard/Old Cheney Road has been shifted north from it's current alignment to minimize property impacts.

Q: Where will pedestrians cross the intersection?
A: Sidewalks are proposed along both sides of Old Cheney Road, Warlick Boulevard and 14th Street so that pedestrians can safely cross at signalized intersection locations.

Q: What about the bike trail?
A: The design plans include a trail crossing on Old Cheney Road east of 14th Street. A pedestrian bridge is already in place across S. 14th Street for trail users.

Q: How will traffic be handled throughout construction?
A: The current plan is to build the intersection while maintaining traffic flow in order to maintain access to schools, homes, and businesses. However, traffic capacity will be reduced during construction, so drivers will be encouraged to find alternate routes.

Q: When will this project be constructed?
A: The project is currently not funded for construction in the six-year CIP. Under current funding scenarios, the earliest time construction will begin is 2012 or beyond.