The Antelope Valley Revitalization project is a $300 million infrastructure project that is the catalyst for long-term redevelopment in the city of Lincoln’s core. The project includes preliminary and final design for over 6.5 miles of roadways and 12 bridges within the project area. It aims to reduce traffic congestion in downtown Lincoln; mitigate potential, serious urban flooding along Antelope Creek; and improve transportation services to attract urban developers and stimulate recreation in the study area. Traffic engineering and transportation planning are major study components.

Olsson Associates, a subconsultant to Parsons Brinckerhoff, provided transportation, traffic, and stormwater engineering, along with surveying and environmental services for this major project in the downtown area.

Olsson’s efforts, in conjunction with Parsons Brinckerhoff, included:

• Assembling and reviewing existing and projected traffic data
• One-on-one meetings with major stakeholders
• Operational analysis
• Safety analysis
• Travel demand forecasting
• Identifying and evaluating alternative roadway concepts

Many complex transportation and environmental issues were identified and have been resolved. They included discontinuing existing roadways and enhancing pedestrian safety and safety of at-grade rail crossings. Environmental undertakings included preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EIS included evaluating impacts to neighborhoods, parks, wetlands, historic buildings, environmental risk sites, and impacts from noise and vibrations. In addition, the study entailed conducting Multi-Increment Sampling (MIS), which included a mobile source air quality analysis. The team also performed an Environmental Assessment for hazardous materials and subsequently provided oversight for removing contaminated materials.

Neighborhood concerns also were identified and were vetted through an extensive public involvement process. In addition, the study looked at and resolved the conflict between vehicular traffic and the freight rail services provided by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company, Union Pacific Railroad, and Omaha, Lincoln, and Beatrice railroads.

The Antelope Valley Revitalization project is notable for using creative design and sustainable practices to combine community redevelopment, flood control, recreation, and transportation improvements into a single initiative.