Date:

August 25, 2006

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Captain Bob Kawamoto, Police Department, 441-5900

Scott Opfer, Public Works and Utilities, 441-7851

Lincoln Mayor Coleen J. Seng today said those coming to the Capital City for the Nebraska State Fair and Husker football games will see traffic improvements near the Fairgrounds and the downtown campus of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. The State Fair runs from today through September 4, and the Huskers’ first home game is September 2.

“This is always an exciting time in Lincoln as we welcome visitors from across the state,” said Mayor Seng. “The Antelope Valley Project is well under way, and fair and football fans should be prepared for some positive changes. Drivers and pedestrians will have no trouble reaching their destinations safely and on time, but I encourage visitors to plan ahead.” Mayor Seng encouraged visitors to try 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.

Seng said the biggest change is the opening of the north and west legs of the elevated roadway just south of the Devaney Center, a key part of the Antelope Valley Project. The south leg will open later this fall. From the north, the roadway connects to the 14th Street corridor at Military Avenue and continues south over the railroad tracks. The west leg carries traffic southwest to the UNL campus and Downtown Lincoln. Because the roadway goes over the railroad tracks, motorists will no longer have to wait for trains at 14th and New Hampshire. Those walking to and from the State Fairgrounds also are encouraged to use the recently completed Antelope Valley hiker/biker trail on the east side of the elevated roadway. From the southeast corner of 14th Street and Military, the trail continues south then west to 14th Street.

Parking at State Fair Park is free this year. 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. 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.

Those traveling downtown should be aware that bike lanes have been added to 14th Street from “L” to “R” streets and on 11th Street from “Q” to “K” streets. Mayor Seng reminded visitors who will be traveling outside of the downtown area that the widening of East “O” Street from 44th to 52nd streets also has been completed. Improvements to 48th street from “M” to “R” streets will be finished this fall.

The City offers pre-paid, reserved event parking at its nine garages through the City Web site, lincoln.ne.gov, and through parkitdowntown.org. Garage locations and football parking fees are:

• City-County, 10th and “K” streets - $6
• Carriage Park, 1128 “L” Street, and Cornhusker Square, 1220 “L” Street - $9
• Haymarket, 9th and “Q” streets; Iron Horse, 7th and “Q” streets; Market Place, 10th and “Q” streets; Que Place, 1111 “Q” Street; Center Park, 1120 “N” Street; and University Square, 101 North 14th - $11

It is recommended that fans use the City Web site to reserve and pre-pay parking. However, parking still is available at all City garages for $10, $8 and $5 on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 2 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 three 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 4, from the parking lot of the north Bed Bath & Beyond, 5040 North 27th.
• A shuttle will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the fair’s Senior Day, Monday, August 28, from Westfield Gateway, 61st and “O” streets.
• A weekday lunchtime shuttle will operate from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. between downtown and the State Fair 14th Street entrance. The shuttle operates in a square using 11th, “J”, 14th, and “Q” streets.

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 27; Sunday, September 3; and Monday, September 4.
• 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, August 26 and from Monday, August 28 through Saturday, September 2.

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.

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 “J” 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. Construction on Vine Street from 17th to 27th streets was finished a year ago. Four lanes of traffic are now open with turning lanes at intersections and a new bridge at about 19th Street.

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.