Streetcar Route to be Approved in September

(August 17, 2022)

The Omaha Streetcar Authority (OSA) is expected to approve the streetcar route at its September meeting.

Several revisions of the route, also referred to as the alignment, are being finalized by HDR and will be presented to the OSA for approval.

The current route takes the streetcar over Interstate 480 on Farnam and Harney. Discussions are underway with the Nebraska Department of Transportation to share the cost of modifying the bridges for the streetcar. The cost of the bridge modifications prompted HDR to look at additional options.

Four alternatives to the original recommended route have been developed that would use only the Farnam Street bridge to cross Interstate 480.

HDR is also looking at the east end of the route and opportunities to use 8^th Street in addition to 10^th Street to make the Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and Lewis and Clark Landing more accessible to riders.

OSA President Jay Noddle and Vice-President Bob Stubbe both suggested the route remain on Farnam and Harney Street couplet.

"This is part of all the documents approved by the City Council and other public information, and it will have less impact on parking. I have serious reservations about deviating from the Farnam-Harney couplet," said Stubbe.

OSA interim Director Rick Gustafson also told the board that potential locations for the streetcar's vehicle maintenance facility have been identified for consideration by the board.

The next OSA meeting is September 19^th at 1:30pm in the Legislative Chambers at 1819 Farnam.