A major roads project is turning heads in south Omaha. It's not the road work itself that has people asking questions, it's what needs to be done to clear the way for those improvements.
The $6.5 million project is part of the city’s most recent Capital Improvement Plan. On Q Street between 42nd & 36th Streets, there will be two roundabouts, the bridge will be replaced, and the lanes will be completely redone. The bridge goes over railroad tracks and it has been deteriorating.
Councilman Garry Gernandt says he's received calls concerned with the trees being torn down already because of privacy, noise, and because the trees had been there for decades. He adds that the project is something he's hoped would happen for a long time.
"Long overdue, the blip was not so bright a few years ago and it's kept getting brighter and brighter with the amount of traffic in the area, and the amount of accidents in that area,” Councilman Gernandt explained. "You might see trees being removed but no construction starting yet, and that's what's happening in this case where trees need to be removed before migrating starts."
Officials say while the construction is happening, at least one lane in each direction will still be open.
If you live in the area or just want more information there is a public meeting happening this week on Thursday March 10 at 6:30pm at Gateway Elementary.
