As Nebraska football welcomes an old rival back to Lincoln on Saturday evening, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds drivers to be ready for an increase in traffic, especially along Interstate 80 — particularly after the game, says Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Spokesman Cody Thomas.
“For a night game, we’ll have traffic pouring into Lincoln throughout the entire day. So we’re not looking for major congestion areas before the game, but everyone will be leaving the stadium and potentially leaving town at the same time right after the game, probably around 10 PM or so,” said Thomas.
Even though fans will have more time to get to Lincoln, there could be some traffic due to various road construction projects. Drivers should allow more time to get to their destination, and NDOT reminds travelers that construction is active for the following areas:
- I-80 from the Lexington interchange (MM 237) to the Overton interchange (MM 248). This is reduced to one lane, each direction, with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary.
- I-80 from the Elm Creek interchange (MM 252) to the Odessa interchange (MM 264). This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary.
- I-80 from the Pleasant Dale interchange (MM 388) to NW 48th Street interchange (MM 395) in Lincoln. The speed limit is 65 miles per hour in this construction zone.
- Hwy 77 and Hwy 109 Junction near Wahoo. This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a reduced speed limit.
Additionally, use caution when coming into Lincoln on Interstate 180 (I-180). Due to hotel construction near Memorial Stadium, I-180 will have lane restrictions to accommodate pedestrian traffic as you arrive in downtown Lincoln. Watch for pedestrians and expect traffic to travel slower in this area.
With an evening kickoff, Thomas suggests people designate a sober driver or ride if their gameday festivities includes drinking.
“Maybe you’ve got a tailgate or maybe you’re just coming into town having lunch before the game and then trickling your way down to the stadium… if there is any alcohol involved in your tailgating, please plan ahead, have a sober driver ready to get you to wherever you’re going after the game. We want the roadways to be safe, and so that’s the most important thing,” he said.
Just as importantly, remember to put the phone down and buckle up before you leave.
NDOT has provided maps for fans coming into and leaving Lincoln, to help guide them through potential traffic jams:
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- Coming to Lincoln
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- Leaving Lincoln
When coming to the game, drivers arriving in Lincoln on I-80 from the west should take Exit 397 (south U.S. Highway 77 (US-77) to Rosa Parks Way into downtown Lincoln, and drivers arriving in Lincoln on I-80 from the east should take Exit 401 to south Interstate 180 (I-180) into downtown Lincoln.
When leaving the game, drivers should avoid Exit 409 between Lincoln and Waverly as it may be closed due to safety concerns as heavy interstate traffic builds. This may significantly increase traffic on US-6 and cause slowdowns. Leaving downtown Lincoln immediately after the game can put you in heavy traffic. Spending some extra time in town may allow traffic to ease up and provide a smoother ride home.
NSP Trooper Brett will be delivering traffic reports on both the Huskers pregame and post game shows, listen here KLIN.