News Release Nebraska Department of Transportation
As football season begins, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) wants to help Husker football game attendees plan winning drives to Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
On home gamedays, traffic increases greatly on I-80 and highways and roads in and around Lincoln. Between Omaha and Lincoln alone, there are nearly 30% more vehicles on I-80. Fans and drivers should be prepared for traffic slowdowns both before and after the event.
NDOT wants drivers to be aware that construction activities are occurring on routes traditionally used by drivers on their way to the stadium. NDOT, in partnership with the Nebraska State Patrol, University of Nebraska, and the City of Lincoln, is recommending the following routes to fans:
For drivers arriving in Lincoln on I-80 from the west: Take Exit 397 (south U.S. Highway 77 (US-77)) to Rosa Parks Way into downtown Lincoln.
For drivers arriving in Lincoln from the east: Take Exit 401 to south Interstate 180 (I-180) into downtown Lincoln.
Drivers should avoid Exit 409 both before and after the game. After the game, Exit 409 between Lincoln and Waverly may be closed due to safety concerns as heavy interstate traffic builds. This may significantly increase traffic on US-6 and cause slowdowns. Leaving downtown Lincoln immediately after the game can put you in heavy traffic. Spending some extra time in Lincoln may allow traffic to clear.
Areas to avoid in Lincoln due to construction:
- West O Street from Sun Valley Boulevard and 1st Street
- US-77 south of Lincoln in the Saltillo Road area (South Beltway)
- 27th Street exits off I-80
Drivers are encouraged to pack their patience, allow extra time to get to their destinations, plan ahead, and check www.511.nebraska.gov for real time traffic information. Stay safe – buckle up, phone down, avoid distractions, and adjust your speed and following distance if you encounter a slowdown. If drivers are in a crash during gameday traffic, move both vehicles to the shoulder, if possible, before reporting the incident.
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