(Picture credit John Gage)
One day before the Nebraska Cornhuskers kick off football season against Ohio, it appears Saturday traffic will be far worse than initially expected. With multiple road projects already underway in downtown Lincoln, a Friday morning Facebook post from Governor Jim Pillen called attention to even greater expected delays due to repairs on the I-80/I-180 interchange, the definitive main route to Memorial Stadium for many non-Lincoln residents.
“Husker Fans—please head to Lincoln earlier than usual to avoid delays,” Pillen urged.
Northbound and southbound I-180 traffic will be funneled head-to-head at the I-80 interchange with road work and lane closures. Inbound Omaha fans can expect heavy delays, as the westbound I-80 to southbound I-180 ramp will be closed. Fans from west of Lincoln can expect delays returning, as the northbound I-180 to westbound I-80 ramp will also be closed.
On Friday afternoon, Governor Pillen released a list of initial detour routes with the assistance of NDOT and the Nebraska State Patrol, directing incoming Omaha traffic to use exits at Waverly, 56th Street, and 27th Street, and West Cornhusker Highway.
Incoming US-34 traffic from Seward, York, and the surrounding areas are directed to take Northwest 48th Street onto US-6 or eastbound I-80 and West Cornhusker Highway. An alternate route follows West Fletcher Avenue to Northwest 1st Street and I-180.
In all cases, lengthy delays can be expected in full. The governor’s office advising fans give themselves “ample time” to make the drive — in addition to troopers on the ground, the Nebraska State Patrol will likely have a helicopter in the air to assist in directing traffic.
And if Saturday proves daunting enough for Cornhusker fans, the future looks not at all brighter. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s initial release on the project, these shifts, closures, and detours will remain in effect throughout the entirety of the season and into May of 2027.
Delays may only get worse as the Big Red move into Big Ten play.
That will certainly be the case when Lincoln plays host to both Husker football and Husker volleyball on September 12 and October 10 of this season. The latter of the dates will surely be the worst, as the Huskers must welcome the defending champions of the Big Ten and college football at large, the Indiana Hoosiers — and their fans.
The Nebraska 511 app can help assist fans this season hoping to make it in time for opening kickoff. For Lincoln fans hoping to shuttle to the games, the iPronto app will be an absolute necessity, as rides on the Big Red Express’ successor must be reserved beforehand.
Perhaps the only cold comfort for the Cornhusker loyal is that they won’t have to sit in Lincoln traffic with any Hawkeyes this season, as Rivalry Week will see Iowa City host the Huskers the day after Thanksgiving.
— Lewis Thune is a College Fix writing fellow with The Plains Sentinel.