With the 2024 Husker football season kicking off Saturday at Memorial Stadium and large numbers of travelers hitting the road for Labor Day weekend, Nebraska State Troopers will be out in force to keep fans and travelers safe on the roads and in the stadium.
“This weekend will be busy on Nebraska roads with the start of Husker football, the final weekend of the State Fair, and Labor Day weekend,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “As we close out the summer travel season, let’s work together to make this a safe weekend on the roads so that everyone reaches their destinations safely.”
The Nebraska State Patrol works closely with partner agencies on several aspects of gameday operations. Troopers partner with the Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, UNL Police Department, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation to keep fans safe as they travel to and from the game, as well as in and around Memorial Stadium.
Troopers in the NSP Aviation Support Unit will provide an eye in the sky to relay information to troopers on the ground to assist with traffic flow coming into Lincoln. Fans can also hear live radio traffic reports from Trooper Brett before and after the game on Huskers Radio Network stations throughout the state, including 1400 AM & 99.3 FM KLIN.
Inside the stadium, troopers, deputies, and officers, team-up to keep the gameday experience safe. Any fan in need of assistance during the game can contact any member of law enforcement or event staff. Fans can also text 402-472-0800 to get assistance inside the stadium.
Additionally, troopers continue the ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign, which runs through September 2. So far during the effort, troopers have made 85 arrests for driving under the influence. Troopers have also cited 58 drivers for speeding at over 100 miles per hour.
NSP reminds motorists of multiple active construction zones on Interstate 80 that have reduced speed limits, lane shifts, and may experience congestion and slower traffic.
- I-80 from Lexington to Overton (mile markers 237-248) is reduced to one lane in each direction, with head-to-head traffic. The speed limit is 65 miles per hour.
- I-80 from Elm Creek to Odessa (mile markers 252-264) is reduced to one lane in each direction, with head-to-head traffic. The speed limit is 65 miles per hour.
- I-80 from Pleasant Dale to NW 48th St in Lincoln (mile markers 388-395) is reduced to a 65 miles per hour speed limit during construction.
Each of those work zones and other potential roadway issues that arise can be found on the 511 Nebraska system. Anyone who observes a reckless driver or anyone in need of non-emergency roadside assistance can call *55 to reach the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline.