Date:

August 24, 2007

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Captain Bob Kawamoto, Police Department, 441-7751

Scott Opfer, Public Works and Utilities, 441-7851

Nebraska Department of Roads - Traveling in Lincoln? PDF - 36K

Reserved Parking Available
StarTran Offers State Fair Shuttle and Big Red Express
Street Closures and Changes
Reminders

Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler today said those headed to the Nebraska State Fair and Husker football games will continue to see traffic improvements, especially in the areas of downtown, the UNL City campus and the fairgrounds. The State Fair runs from today through September 3, and the Huskers' first home game is September 1.

"The biggest improvements fair and football fans will see are related to the Antelope Valley Project," said Beutler. "Three legs of the elevated roadway are open near the Devaney Center, providing improved access to downtown and State Fair Park. The overpass spans the railroad tracks which used to block traffic, and pedestrians have a new trail that runs parallel to the waterway."

On football game days, Interstate 80 exits can be very congested, so out-of-town visitors are encouraged to use Highways 6 and 34, West "O" and the West Bypass as alternate routes. Because of the usual traffic congestion after football games, Beutler encouraged Husker fans to "linger in Lincoln" and enjoy the dining, shopping and entertainment in the downtown and Haymarket areas. He also encouraged visitors to plan ahead for traffic and parking and to try the three options offered by the City of Lincoln: pre-paid, reserved event parking; StarTran’s free State Fair shuttle; and StarTran’s Big Red Express.

Parking at State Fair Park is free. Fair visitors are encouraged to use the 27th Street entrance to the fairgrounds because most of the available parking is on the east side of the fairgrounds. More information on the State Fair is available at www.statefair.org. UNL parking for State Fair visitors is $5.

Those traveling downtown should be aware of the bike lanes on 14th Street from "L" to "R" streets and on 11th Street from "Q" to "K" streets.

The City recommends using pre-paid, reserved event parking through the City Web site, lincoln.ne.gov, and through parkitdowntown.org. Football parking locations and fees are:

• City-County, 10th and "K" streets - $6 on site, $7 online
• Carriage Park, 1120 "L" Street; and Cornhusker Square, 1220 "L" Street - $9 on site, $10 online
• Center Park, 1100 "N" Street; Lincoln Station South, 7th and "P" streets; Lumberworks, 711 "O"; and University Square, 101 North 14th - $11 on site, $12 online
• Haymarket, 9th and "Q" streets; Iron Horse, 7th and "Q" streets; Market Place, 10th and "Q" streets; and Que Place, 1111 "Q" Street- $12 on site, $13 online

Maps and other parking information are available at lincoln.ne.gov and by calling the parking office at 402-441-6472.

Parking also is available at the following University areas for $10:

• 17th and "R" garage
• 16th and Court streets, just south of the Devaney Sports Center
• Anderson Hall, 16th Street between "P" and "Q" streets
• Beadle Center, 19th Street north of "S" Street
• 1820 "R" Street
• 900 North 22nd Street
• Business Services Complex, 17th Street north of "Y" Street

Wheelchair accessible parking is available at UNL Lot 8, Stadium Drive and Holdrege, for $10 per vehicle. Handicapped parking is available at:

• Mabel Lee Hall (vans only) - $10
• 14th and Avery garage - $10, with free cart shuttle
• 14th and Avery surface lot - $10, with free cart shuttle
• 14th Street between Vine and “W” streets, free
• 17th and "R" garage - $10
• 19th and "R" - $10, with van shuttle service

The State Fair parking lots will not be available for football fans to use for the September 1 game.

Those using Interstate 80 who plan to park in the Haymarket Park lots should use the airport exit (399). Those parking in downtown should use the 9th Street/downtown exit (401).

A number of private lots also are available. Rates vary, and some offer season passes.

Downtown parking meters are enforced from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Vehicles blocking drives, parked too close to the intersection, parked on public right of way or interfering with vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be towed.

StarTran will offer FREE shuttle services during the State Fair. A shuttle will operate from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day, Monday, September 3, from the parking lot of the north Bed Bath & Beyond, 5040 North 27th.

In addition, one HandiVan will offer service to the State Fair for eligible persons with disabilities. Reservations for this service can be made with StarTran by the usual procedure. (HandiVan users must register with the League of Human Dignity which can be reached by calling 441-7871.) The HandiVan service will be offered at the following dates and times:

• 9 a.m to 11 p.m. Sunday, August 26; Sunday, September 2; and Monday, September 3.
• 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, August 25 and from Monday, August 27 through Saturday, September 1.

In addition to its regular routes, StarTran will provide its Big Red Express service on Husker game days starting two hours before kickoff from seven locations:

• Westfield Gateway, 61st and "O" streets. Buses load in the area north of Penney's, south of Circuit City.
• ShopKo, 27th and Cornhusker, west portion of lot.
• SouthPointe Pavilions, 27th and Pine Lake Road, west side of Von Maur.
• Holmes Lake, 70th and Normal, north end of the lake.
• Southeast Community College, 8800 "O" Street, parking lot on south side.
• State Department of Roads, 14th and Burnham, north side.
• Slumberland/Toys R Us, 5240 North 27th Street (27th and Kensington).

After the game, buses will leave from the east side of the stadium. The cost is $4 each way for adults and $1 each way for children age 12 and under, and passengers will need exact change. Big Red Express season ticket packets, good for round-trip travel for all seven home games, are available for $40, a savings of $16. They are available at StarTran, 710 "J" Street. For information, call 476-1234.

Stadium Drive west of the stadium will be closed to all vehicular traffic. Passenger drop-off and pick-up will not be allowed in front of the stadium before or after the game. Fans can be dropped off and picked up at 10th and Charleston streets and 12th and "R" streets.

Only StarTran buses and those using UNL Lot 12 or handicapped parking will be allowed west of 16th Street on Vine.

Charter buses will park on "W" Street between 14th and 16th streets.

The following traffic patterns are in effect after the football games:

• 10th Street is one-way northbound from Military Avenue to Sun Valley Boulevard.
• 8th Street is one-way southbound from "S" to "N" streets.

Motorists are reminded that the Antelope Valley Project has resulted in changes to 16th and 17th streets near campus. 17th Street north of Vine now crosses the new Antelope Creek bridge between "X" Street (near Nebraska Hall) and "Y" Street. Traffic is two-way on 17th from "X" Street north to Holdrege and on 16th from "X" to "W" streets.

The taxi stand is at 14th and Vine streets.

Alcohol is prohibited on City streets, parking lots, garages and sidewalks including the trail between Haymarket Park and 8th Street.

The sale of tickets, souvenirs or other items is not allowed on City streets or sidewalks. Officers will issue citations for violations that inhibit the use of the street or sidewalk.

Lock your vehicle and put valuable items out of sight to prevent theft.

Grills are not allowed in City parking garages.

Backpacks and umbrellas are not allowed in Memorial Stadium.