Lincoln is preparing for its first University of Nebraska football home game of the season, with the Huskers hosting Ohio at 11 Saturday morning. City officials say fans should plan ahead, as traffic will be heavier than normal and several construction projects remain underway. Visitors are encouraged to allow an extra 30 minutes to an hour for travel into Lincoln.
Drivers coming from Omaha or the northeast have four I-80 exits available: Lincoln Airport, 27th Street, 56th Street and Waverly. Officials say the Airport and 27th Street exits have no construction affecting those routes.
Fans coming from the east are encouraged to use Nebraska Parkway, South 84th Street, Old Cheney Road, 70th Street and Normal Boulevard. Those traveling from the south can use Highway 77, Van Dorn, 10th Street and “N” Street to reach the Haymarket. Drivers coming from the west can take I-80 to the I-180 exit into downtown.
There are several street restrictions to watch for, including lane closures around Ninth, 10th and 12th streets, O Street, Cornhusker Highway, Nebraska Parkway and South 70th Street. Some bridges over I-180 will also have lane closures.
Downtown traffic patterns will change before and after the game. Two hours before kickoff, southbound Ninth Street will close near Salt Creek Roadway, while R, Q and P streets will close to traffic from Ninth Street. After the game, additional restrictions will be put in place around 10th, 16th and Q streets.
Stadium Drive west of Memorial Stadium will be closed to vehicles, and rideshare and taxi pickup and drop-off will be at the bus stop in front of Henzlik Hall on Vine Street. Fans should also know that iPronto has replaced StarTran’s Big Red Express for Husker game-day shuttle service.
The city says parking is available in numerous downtown lots and garages, with prices generally ranging from 10 to 35 dollars. University parking is also available, with several lots charging 20 to 25 dollars.
Vehicles blocking traffic, driveways or intersections, or parked in restricted areas, can be towed. Officials are also reminding fans that alcohol consumption is prohibited on city streets, sidewalks, parking lots and garages, as well as state property. The university campus is smoke- and tobacco-free, and city-managed e-scooters will not operate during home games.
Fans can check real-time traffic and road conditions through Nebraska 511 and use Waze for route information. Click here for additional details.