Traffic Alert: Construction plus move-out equals congestion May 2-6

Construction of the Antelope Valley Project has traffic moving slowly on normal days, so University of Nebraska-Lincoln officials are doubly concerned about congestion during finals week May 2-6, when about 4,000 students load up and move out of the university's residence halls.

Officials suggest motorists avoid UNL campus the entire week and particularly from noon to 6:30 p.m. May 5 and 6, the most active times for moving, based on exam schedules.

"Imagine the convoluted roadways around the UNL campus already burgeoning with road barriers, closed roads and construction, and then add these 4,000 students, their parents, at least one or two extra vehicles and a bit of stress, and you have a concoction sure to test the patience of even the most patient Husker fan or parent," said Doug Zatechka, director of University Housing.

University staff, the Lincoln city traffic engineers, University Parking, University Police, University Housing and the Lincoln Police Department are working to mediate this situation, but warn that motorist coming into the area should plan for delays and longer travel times.

Lane closures will allow for temporary loading zones. Starting May 4, closures affect the east lane of 16th Street between R and Vine streets; the west lane of 17th Street from R to Vine; and likely the east lane of 17th Street north of Vine.

To assist in emptying parking lots and loading zones, there will be traffic control the afternoons of May 5-6 on Vine Street and on 14th Street west of the Harper-Schramm-Smith Complex.

Visitors to the Bob Devaney Sports Center for May 7 commencement exercises should keep the Antelope Valley Project construction in mind. To park east or north of the Devaney Center, they should use the 27th Street entrance to State Fair Park. Parking west of the Devaney Center will be accessible via 14th Street, with the easiest approach from the north.

CONTACT: Doug Zatechka, Director, University Housing, (402) 472-3561