When the City of Omaha fixes the broken-down Crown Point Avenue, it will try a different approach.
Next year, the city will repave the northwest Omaha street, but also eliminate two through lanes of traffic on what’s currently a four-lane street.
Instead of reinstalling traffic signals, it will build four roundabouts in the stretch from 72nd Street to Blair High Road.
Beyond simply fixing sidewalks, the city will build a 10-foot-wide, multi-use trail on one side of the street.
It’s part of an effort to implement a policy called “Complete Streets” — a trend in street design spreading across the nation and now finding a place in Omaha. The idea is that streets are built not only for cars, but also pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders.
And it’s more than a passing fad. In 2015, the Omaha City Council made it the city’s official policy to approach every street project as an opportunity to “create safer, more accessible streets” for every user.
Two weeks ago, after years of work behind the scenes, the city publicly released a draft of its 85-page implementation guide, which is expected to go before the council again next year.
But already, Omaha faces a challenge in the implementation: Will a car-centric city accept streets that are not totally beholden to the car?
In the neighborhoods around Crown Point Avenue, Omaha’s complete streets push will face its first test with the general public as the city pilots some of the concepts. Having heard about the plans, some neighbors are skeptical, particularly about the roundabouts.
“Honestly, we just want it paved,” said Kirstin Peyton, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1997 and works in the area. “That’s all we want. That is all we want.”
Not only has street design entered a new era, but the community around Crown Point Avenue also has evolved since the street was built a half-century ago.
According to the city, the concrete pavement was built in 1972.
On one end of the street, Northwest High School opened in 1971. On the other end, the Vickers hydraulics production plant opened in 1969, employing more than 2,000 people at its peak.
Today, the Vickers plant has become Sorensen Park Plaza shopping center. And Sorensen Parkway serves as the primary artery through the area instead of Crown Point.
Gayle Sturdivant, design division manager for the Omaha Public Works Department, said Crown Point Avenue is overbuilt for today’s traffic. Even if the city were focusing on a project only for cars, it would never restore four lanes, she said.
“If you look at traffic today, you only need the two lanes,” she said. The revamped Crown Point also will have a middle turning lane.
In planning for the project, the city surveyed 258 people about the future of the street but didn’t present an option for maintaining four lanes.
People had a low opinion on making the street two lanes, rating that at less than 2 on a scale of 1 to 5. Three lanes scored better, but just as many people were against that idea as in favor.
When asked what issues need to be addressed for Crown Point, 92% said fixing the pavement was important. Safety and speeding rated behind that, at 46% and 40%.
Jeff Barnes, who has lived in the Stillmeadow neighborhood for 25 years, said he feels like the public’s input was ignored.
Said Barnes, “This is kind of an incubator for, in large part, how much the citizenry will accept before they say, ‘Now wait a minute.’ ”
Sturdivant said the project will give residents what they wanted — new pavement and a street that will slow traffic and improve safety.
But that will take a different form than a traditionally designed street.
Roundabouts are somewhat new to Omaha, Sturdivant said, but they have proved to reduce the number and severity of crashes at intersections.
Sturdivant said the city is recognizing that some users have needs that are different from those driving cars.
There are Metro bus riders on the corridor and school bus riders from Northwest. But not every student rides the bus, Sturdivant said. Some neighbors might want to walk or bike to Sorensen Park Plaza, which can be challenging today, she said.
Scott Dobbe, executive director of Omaha by Design, said he hopes people will be patient with the changes coming to Omaha. Dobbe, whose urban design and planning organization has contributed to Omaha’s complete streets plans, said he would ask people not to judge until they see the changes in operation.
“I really believe residents will be pleasantly surprised,” he said.
Peyton said she rides a bike and would love to use the multi-purpose trail. At the same time, she said, the trail’s western end will stop at the busy Blair High Road. That also leaves it short of the trailhead for the popular Keystone Trail at Fort Street.
Ultimately, plans call for the Keystone Trail to extend from Democracy Park at Fort Street north to Cunningham Lake. But neighbors say they’ve heard talk of that connection for years.
Sturdivant, however, says it’s on the way — and could happen within three years. In the city’s annual budget talks, Councilman Pete Festersen has proposed an amendment to plan to build that link in 2020.
Emiko Atherton, director of the National Complete Streets Coalition within the group Smart Growth America, said 1,500 complete streets policies are in place across the country, and Omaha is right on schedule by moving into implementation.
How the implementation happens is really important, Atherton said. It’s particularly important for agencies to engage the community and communicate about the changes, she said.
“Implementation is more than just laying down the infrastructure,” she said, “and I think we forget that a lot.”
Omaha streets and how they got their names
Omaha's roads have a wide variety of stories behind how they got their names. Some are official street names, while others are commemorative street names honoring notable citizens. Sources: Douglas County Historical Society, World-Herald archives
Dodge Street: Dodge was believed to be named for U.S. Sen. Augustus Caesar Dodge, of Iowa, who championed the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854 — along with Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois, for whom Douglas Street is named. The 1854 act established the two territories, opened new lands, repealed the 1820 Missouri Compromise and allowed new settlers to decide whether they would allow slavery. But, over the years, it became less clear of the origin of the street name, and many took issue with what they called Augustus Caesar Dodge's pro-slavery stances. And so, in 2016, an effort was launched to officially name Dodge Street in honor of Civil War Brig. Gen. Grenville Mellen Dodge and his brother, real estate pioneer N.P. Dodge. Those efforts were approved by the city, county and state in 2016.
Jones Street: Alfred D. Jones did Omaha City’s first survey in 1854. It was said that, as Omaha’s first postmaster, the lawyer carried the mail in his hat.
Johnny Rodgers Street: Marlin Briscoe, left, and Johnny Rodgers pose for a photo before a ceremony to rename a section of Burt Street, between 30th and 33rd Streets, Johnny Rodgers Street on July 30, 2015. Read more
Capitol Avenue: This route led from the Missouri River to the second Nebraska territorial capitol, located on top of a hill near 20th and Dodge Streets. That building was replaced by Omaha High School in 1872, then by the school’s second building, which was completed in 1912. Omaha High School is now known as Omaha Central High School.
Mike Fahey Street: Fahey, pictured in 2009 at the ceremony renaming seven blocks of Webster Street from 10th Street to Creighton University as Mike Fahey Street, was the city’s longest-serving mayor since the City Charter was approved by voters in 1956.
A.V. Sorensen Parkway: Omaha businessman Axel Vergman Sorensen, mayor from 1965 to 1969, chaired a convention in 1956 that wrote the city’s current governing charter.
Farnam Street: Originally the main drag in Omaha, Farnam Street was named for railroad promoter Henry Farnam.
Bob Gibson Boulevard: Bob Gibson speaks after the unveiling of the street named after him in 1999. Deer Park Boulevard near Rosenblatt Stadium was renamed Bob Gibson Boulevard after the former St. Louis Cardinal pitching great and Hall of Fame member. Read more
Neal Mosser Boulevard: The stretch of Cuming Street from 30th to 33rd Streets was named after longtime Tech High basketball coach Neal Mosser in 2005. His coaching tenure stretched from 1948 to the late 1960s, and he was recognized as a positive influence on countless athletes, including Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson and NBA star and Olympic gold medalist Bob Boozer.
Bud Crawford Street: Larimore Avenue between 31st Avenue and 33rd Street was designated Terence "Bud" Crawford Street. The professional boxer was born and raised on that stretch of Larimore. Read more
Millard Avenue: Ezra Millard was president of the Omaha National Bank, which he organized in 1866. In 1871, he bought the land that was to become Millard.
Carol Van Metre Lane: Named in honor of the late Carol Van Metre, who worked to help ensure that the children of Omaha had parks and fields in which to play. It winds east from 24th Street at Woolworth Avenue and leads to Columbus Park, the Columbus Community Center, and Van Metre Field, which is named for Carol’s husband, Dave. Read more
College World Series Avenue: The section of 13th Street between Cuming Street and Mike Fahey Street was renamed College World Series Avenue in 2011 as a permanent reminder that TD Ameritrade Park is the home of the CWS. Read more
Dave Rimington Street: Mayor Mike Fahey with football great and philanthropist Dave Rimington, an Omaha South grad, during the dedication of the 20th Street to 24th Street section of L Street as Dave Rimington Street in 2002. Rimington redefined the center position at Nebraska, winning two Outland Trophies and a Lombardi Award before launching a seven-year NFL career. Read more
Boyd Street: James E. Boyd was twice mayor of Omaha in the 1880s. The Irish immigrant became governor of Nebraska in 1890.
California Street: Gold seekers headed west for California landed near this street after crossing the Missouri River.
Cuming Street: Secretary of the Nebraska Territory and acting Gov. Thomas B. Cuming convened the first Nebraska Territorial Legislature in Omaha in 1854, making Omaha the capital.
Harney Street: At the outbreak of the Civil War, Gen. William S. Harney was commander of the Department of the West.
Kyle Wayne LeFlore Street: The block of 29th Street between Fowler Ave and Meredith Ave was renamed Kyle Wayne LeFlore Street in honor of Sgt. LeFlore on July 20, 2018. LeFlore was slain in Omaha while on holiday vacation from the military. Read more
Marlin Briscoe Way: Marlin Briscoe, the first black starting quarterback in the NFL and an Omaha South High School graduate, was honored with a street named in his honor. Read more
Military Avenue: This part of the original Overland Trail twisted through Omaha and Benson starting in 1857. It was used to move military supplies to Fort Kearny and by settlers heading to the Northwest. In 1994, part of Military Road near 82nd and Fort Streets was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Minne Lusa Boulevard: Minne Lusa is a Native American term meaning “clear water.” A Florence pumping station was on the street. An elementary school of the same name is located near Minne Lusa Boulevard today.
Paxton Boulevard: William A. Paxton, known as the “real founder of South Omaha,” organized the Union Stockyards Company. He co-founded Paxton & Gallagher Wholesale Grocery, became co-owner of the Paxton & Vierling Iron Works and served in the Nebraska legislature. The Paxton Hotel was named for him.
Poppleton Avenue: Andrew Jackson Poppleton, a member of the first territorial legislature, was involved in deciding the territorial capital’s location. The attorney successfully represented Standing Bear in the Ponca chief’s 1879 trial. Poppleton served three times as mayor of Omaha.
Saddle Creek Road: This one sounds like it could be a tall tale, right? Details are sparse, but a man was apparently heading west out of Omaha to make his fortune mining gold. He didn’t get very far before a saddle fell off his wagon and into a creek that then flowed in the area. Hence the name Saddle Creek.
Woolworth Avenue: Attorney James Woolworth helped develop South Omaha’s stockyards. He wrote and published “The History of Omaha” in 1857. The city was only three years old.
Fred Astaire Avenue: On May 11, 2019, the day after what would’ve been dancing and acting legend Fred Astaire’s 120th birthday, Omaha honored its native son with his own street. The Fred Astaire Avenue sign is visible on 10th Street at Martha Street, less than a block from the house where Astaire was born. The family moved from Omaha to New York City in 1905. Read more
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(23) comments
Roundabouts are a pain and a fall back in street engineers "slow down" bag of tricks. Complete streets are good in the sense they promote other than just vehicle traffic. Nothing was mentioned about Green Streets (i.e. more trees and landscaping), but I assume Green Street protocol will be incorporated into the new street design. 2 lanes plus a center turn lane should suffice. Implementing Complete Streets is fine, but there needs to be "comprehensive" implementation allowing contiguous bike lanes, not just for a small stretch.
I like the round-abouts, but why are they cutting a heavily travelled 4-lane street down to 2 lanes?
because they NEVER listen to the TAXPAYERS!
They actually do. They had multiple meetings with the community and solicited their input. Based on what the community said they wanted, the roundabouts were the best, safest option to achieve what the community asked for, even if they didn't specifically ask for roundabouts.
Disagree. These meetings only serve to give the illusion of listening to the public. They will do what they want anyway. Case in point the survey that did not include the current 4 lane option. They know the public would have overwhelmingly supported that but that is not what the City wants so they exclude that option.
Because it's _not_ actually that heavily travelled. Much of its previous traffic has moved to Sorensen Parkway and the road is now overbuilt for the traffic it does carry, which entices drivers to speed.
Have you driven Crown Point, between 72nd & Blair High Road, recently? Anyone who speeds on that lunar landscape is going to completely destroy their vehicle. It's in HORRIBLE condition, and has been for years.
Don’t ask questions. You’ll just get answers - for all their worth.
> Omaha's new approach to street design will soon face [its] first test. How will people respond?
According to the article, the people have already have responded: NO! Of course, that means nothing to our those that know what is better for us than we ourselves. We’re merely the folks that get to PAY for the project.
> Will a car-centric city accept streets that are not totally beholden to the car?
I believe this question contains its answer: No.
This whole issue is bald-faced Liberalism on display: A bureaucrat or think-tanker knows what’s best for the masses. We can’t be trusted to make good decisions, even if we are the ones that PAY for the result of those decisions.
Reducing vehicular capacity when rebuilding a main road is the epitome of stupidity. As suggested in the article, we are a society that prefers our individual transportation. Lefties can tout their light rail and other mass transit until they’re even BLUER in the face and it won’t change a thing. Deal with. Plan for it. Build for it.
Including a sprawling, already underused shopping mall in planning for this project ignores the growing trend of DYING malls.
In the planning world, there’s an old saying, “It’s not like it’s set in concrete.” Well, you’re about to use my money to “set in concrete” something that is ill-conceived: It SOUNDS like a good idea so it MUST be a good idea.
Grow a brain and do the RIGHT thing with our money. 😳
Jim, the Mayor is an R, the Director of Public Works is an R, the Director of NE DOT, appointed by the Governor, is an R. I am completely against this project where I live. Good work making this, of all things, a right vs left thing. Maybe we can ALL agree this is a bad idea. Being made by Republicans.
Crown Point cut down to two lanes with round-a-bouts? I will go out of my way to avoid driving it when done. It's the main traffic way out of my neighborhood. I guess that's how traffic will be cut down??
This is totally stupid and taxpayers will be on the hook again when its torn out and replaced with 4 lanes again. Stupid is as stupid does.
Agree! Complete waste of taxpayer money. Its also an emergency snow route, isn't it?????? LEAVE it as 4 lanes!
Six question marks, but only one exclamation point ( ??!! ) -You're losing your special touch, Jackie !
We don't need any fancy cr*p like round a bouts!! Isn't this an emergency snow route and route to CHI Immanual Hospital?? Just pave it and move on already!
This is a great update and a great use of Complete Streets policy. Glad to see the new policy being put to use to make transit safer for everyone.
The people this project would impact clearly said no thanks. The city is going ahead anyway. How arrogant can you be?
I moved to Lincoln a few years ago where round a bouts are fairly common, even in residential neighborhoods. They're really not as bad as they seem. In my opinion, it's really better than a 4 way stop. That's saying a lot considering I used to be against them before coming here. The thing is, round a bouts clearly identify the driver with the right away as the person already in the round a bout. If you're coming up to the round a bout and someone is coming at you, wait. Whereas people get confused at 4 way stops or even intersections with no stop signs/signals about who should go, and end up causing more accidents. You also spend less time waiting than if there were a stop light because you can go as soon as there's a gap in traffic, something you can only do on red if turning right at a traffic signal. People complain now because it's new and no one is experienced, give it time, and you'll realize it really is better.
Roundabouts work well when used sparingly in residential areas, and they are single-lane. When they are multi-lane at major intersections, or frequent, public support really drops.
Lincoln has one stretch of road with about a half-dozen roundabouts. The posted speed limit is 40 mph, but with a 25 mph roundabout every few blocks, with the accompanying slow downs before and speed ups after, you are lucky to average 30 mph.
You have to consider the area of town the construction is taking place. Having lived in the area for 20 years I can tell you it will not get the pedestrian traffic the city is expecting. My opinion (as it seems with others), it is completely stupid of the city condense a 4 lane to a 2 lane road. Just repave the road, save the additional money and move forward.
The community asked for slower traffic, bicycle infrastructure, and fewer accidents with less severe injuries without impeding the flow of traffic. Roundabouts do exactly this. The reduction of four lanes to three will have almost no impact on the traffic, considering that on four lane streets, the inner lanes are used for left turns, effectively reducing the capacity of the road to one lane in each direction. This is a good project that will result in a safer, more inclusive street.
Don't give the public an option to keep the current configuration in the survey. The City will do what they want and have the fake meetings to give the illusion that they are "listening."
Interesting how the article does not give a cost comparison of fixing the current street vs. changing the configuration, adding roundabouts and putting in bike lanes. Doesn't the public have a right to know? The extra cost of this could go towards fixing other streets.
Reducing the lanes to two the largest folly that I have heard of in quite some time. It guarantees no additional commercial growth in that area for one thing....it might be overbuilt for today's traffic but why is that bad for the future?
Reality and what is going on is not connected nor is there any consideration to the citizens and
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