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U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson |
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U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel |
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Harold M. Maurer, M.D. |
The funds would be part of the initial U.S. Senate version of an appropriations bill for the U.S. Department of Transportation. The bill is part of the 2008 fiscal year budget, which still must be approved by Congress.
Results of the feasibility study will be announced during a public meeting that will be held in the coming months. The public will have an opportunity to provide input during the meeting.
“UNMC is fortunate to have the support of Sens. Nelson and Hagel. The funds are critical in providing solutions that will make midtown Omaha a better place for the thousands of people who work, play and live in the area, as well as attract more people to the area,” said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “In addition, it will provide more support for UNMC in becoming a world-class academic health science center.”
“Thanks in part to UNMC, midtown Omaha is experiencing an unprecedented amount of opportunity and economic development,” said Mayor Mike Fahey. “It is important that this momentum is not only sustained but strengthened as Omaha continues to grow. I appreciate the support of Sens. Nelson and Hagel and eagerly anticipate the results of the Saddle Creek study.”
The phase I feasibility study, being conducted by HDR Engineering Inc., was commissioned to investigate the feasibility of relocating Saddle Creek Road. The study is evaluating options to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow through the area and opportunities to address frequent flooding problems along the corridor.
Benefits of the work might include an opportunity for more contiguous property to support future UNMC campus expansion and an improved residential and commercial urban community. The project area is generally bounded by Cuming Street on the north, Center Street on the south, 42nd Street on the east and 50th Street on the west.
Ken Hansen, UNMC assistant vice chancellor for facilities management and planning, said additional funding would support design and the initial construction activities for the project.
“We’re at the point in the feasibility study where we have gathered an enormous amount of data to analyze the traffic and flooding challenges within the study area,” Hansen said. “Potential alternatives are being laid out and economic analysis has started. We hope to have potential solutions presented to the public in September. The work done by Sens. Nelson and Hagel will provide resources for the next step to keep the momentum going.”
The study is being administered under an agreement with the city of Omaha and UNMC. The U.S. Department of Transportation 2006 appropriations bill included $1 million to conduct the feasibility study. Other partners in the study include the Papio-Missouri Natural Resources District, The Nebraska Medical Center, the Nebraska Department of Roads and the Federal Highway Administration.
“Omaha is fortunate to be a growing city and with that growth comes the need to upgrade and modernize older areas in the center of town,” Nelson said. “I am pleased to have been able to play a role in providing federal funds to support study recommendations that are aimed at not only improving the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses, but allowing for expansion of one of Omaha’s crown jewels, the UNMC campus.”
Hagel said the possible realignment of Saddle Creek Road can serve as a catalyst to enhance surrounding neighborhoods and businesses in the Midtown area.
“This study will frame up options to alleviate flooding along Saddle Creek Road, improve pedestrian safety and address existing traffic flow problems in the area,” Hagel said.
John Winkler, general manager of the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, said he believes the project can be a catalyst to addressing the chronic and recurring flooding issues along Saddle Creek Road. It also may provide an open green-space in the midtown area with trails that connect to the rest of the city.
“The safety of our citizens from floodwater is our first priority, but making this a better place to live and raise a family is also an important goal,” he said.