OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Construction is underway at Gene Leahy Mall as part of the Riverfront Revitalization Project. Starting tomorrow, the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) says one lane of traffic on Douglas Street will be closed...for several months.
MECA says the project's current phase calls for the closing of Douglas Street's southern lane between 10th and 14th Streets for demolition and grading. Trucks involved in the process will primarily use Douglas Street so MECA warns drivers to expect slow traffic and stops in the area.
The Riverfront Revitalization Project is scheduled to be completed in 2023.
You can read more about the project in MECA's release below:
As the next phase of construction begins at the Gene Leahy Mall, Kiewit and the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority would like to make the public aware of some immediate but temporary impacts coming to the downtown Omaha area.
Demolition and grading is currently on schedule to begin in mid-May, which will have the following effects on both commuters and residents who live around the Mall:
Starting on Tuesday, May 7, the southernmost lane of Douglas Street will be closed between 10th and 14th Streets for the next several months.
Demolition and grading are currently scheduled to start early next week, weather permitting.
Works hours will be between 7:00 AM until 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, and occasionally on Saturdays as needed.
Dust should be minimal; however, demolition operations will create additional noise – as rock-breakers and heavy equipment will be in daily use.
Demolition work will be consistent over the next few months, with grading work scheduled to increase in July.
Truck traffic will predominantly use Douglas Street between 10th and 14th Streets. Drivers should be aware of frequent stops and occasional slowdowns as trucks enter and exit the worksite off of Douglas Street.
The demolition and grading phase of construction is scheduled for completion by the end of the year, with the Gene Leahy Mall expected to reopen in late 2021.
The Gene Leahy Mall is the first of three parks to undergo renovation, including Heartland of America Park and the Lewis & Clark Landing. The last two parks will not close until 2020.
Construction and project updates can be found at www.riverfrontrevitalization.com and the Mayor’s website at https://mayors-office.cityofomaha.org. Questions may be referred to the Mayor’s Hotline at hotline@cityofomaha.org or (402) 444-5555, or by contacting the MECA Riverfront Hotline at (402) 599-6565 or email info@omahameca.com.
Media questions: Kristyna Engdahl, MECA Director of Communications, (402) 599-6916; kengdahl@omahameca.com.
