LINCOLN, Neb. – The city of Lincoln is in the final stages of planning for a significant water main construction project in the northeast part of the city. This project is part of a broader initiative to secure a second, reliable water source for the growing community.

On Tuesday, local residents gathered for an open house where city officials detailed the upcoming work along 98th Street. This water main installation will extend to the northeast pump station, which will eventually link to the Missouri River, ensuring a backup water supply for the city.

While the majority of the work will occur along 98th Street, additional construction will take place on Holdrege and Alvo streets in the area. As a result, these streets will experience lane reductions or, in some cases, complete closures during different phases of the project. There will also be temporary sidewalk closures near the Vine Street Reservoir as part of the construction efforts.

Steve Owen, Assistant City Engineer for Lincoln Water System, emphasized the growing need for more water to meet the city’s demands due to its expansion over the years.

“With Lincoln’s continued growth, the need for more water is becoming increasingly important,” Owen explained. “In addition to providing a much-needed second source, this project will also act as a critical backup during emergencies.”

Owen referenced the 2019 floods, when the city’s primary water supply from the Platte River was severely impacted, highlighting the value of a second, reliable water source. “If you think back to 2019 when we had the floods, our Platte River water source was very much impacted,” Owen said. “Having another source of water to draw from during those extreme weather events is of great benefit for the City of Lincoln.”

The city previously met with property owners who will be directly impacted by the construction, presenting the project’s design and collecting feedback. The Tuesday open house was another opportunity for city officials to engage with residents, explaining how the project could affect them and answering any questions.

The total cost of the project is expected to be around $36 million, with funding coming from the American Rescue Plan Act. Construction is slated to take approximately two years to complete.

This project is part of the city's ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and ensure that Lincoln's growing population has access to a reliable and resilient water supply.

Originally reported by Matthew Mittlieder in 1011 Now.