Standing-room only for Saddle Creek open house

Ron Schaefer, left, director of UNMC Facilities Planning and Construction, explains an idea for moving Saddle Creek Road at an open house concerning a feasibility study looking into relocating the thoroughfare.

More than 250 people attended an open house Thursday concerning a study initiated by UNMC and the City of Omaha into possibly moving Saddle Creek Road.

Attendees heard a presentation from Ralph Batenhorst of HDR Engineering Inc., about the study, which will explore the possibility of relocating Saddle Creek Road on the western edge of the UNMC campus.

“This was a great turnout with great feedback concerning this study and the idea of moving Saddle Creek Road,” said Ken Hansen, assistant vice chancellor, UNMC Facilities Management & Planning.

Improving traffic flow and flood control in adjacent neighborhoods are among the motivating factors for the study. Relocating Saddle Creek Road also may create space needed for UNMC to expand.

The feasibility study will be done along with other city transportation studies investigating methods to improve traffic flow and economic opportunities for midtown Omaha. The project study area is generally bounded by Cuming Street on the north, Center Street on the south, 42nd Street on the east and 48th Street on the west.

The study’s first phase is scheduled for completion in August with results published shortly thereafter.

The public will have additional opportunities to provide input about the study at meetings in late spring or early summer, Hansen said.

For more information about the feasibility study, contact Hansen at 559-5301, Leanne Ziettlow of HDR Engineering at 926-7186, Derek Miller of the City of Omaha at 444-5210 or Tawanna Black of Destination Midtown at 233-7142.