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Construction begins on Mopac Trail bridge

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By the Lincoln Journal Star

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008 - 02:54:17 pm CDT

Construction work began this week on a new Mopac Trail Bridge at 27th and X streets. The bridge, which will provide safe passage across 27th Street for pedestrians and bicyclists, is expected to be complete next spring.

Mopac Trail users are asked to find an alternate route around the work site during the bridge’s construction. A crossing signal is available at 27th and Y streets.

The Great Plains Trails Network provided $125,000 in private donations for the bridge, which is estimated to cost about $1.9 million. The city received a federal enhancement grant for $500,000, and the rest will be paid for from funds received through tax increment financing.

Story Photo
In this 2002 file photo, bicyclists enjoy the MoPac East Trail. (LJS File)

The bridge is the final link in the Mopac Trail that begins near the University of Nebraska-Lincoln city campus at 19th and Vine streets. The trail extends east from UNL through the city to 84th Street, then continues east into rural Lancaster County.

More information on the city trails system is available on the city’s Web site at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: trails).


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Cool wrote on July 22, 2008 3:43 pm:
" I really feel that, as a Lincoln resident, I should be griping about this somehow... maybe about how that money could be used for something better, or how I hate progress in general, or that somehow, some way, Harvey Pearlman is involved in this (and you KNOW that must make it bad, right?)... but I have to say that, even though I'm a Lincolnite, I'm having a hard time not being really glad they're getting this project done. It's a dangerous area, and creating a safe passage through there is going to make biking in that place a lot easier. Thanks to whomever is doing this! "

 Lets see wrote on July 22, 2008 4:09 pm:
" the citizens of lincoln want to know about expenditures and some of them wonder where their next meal is coming from and we spend money on a bridge to service bikes and pedestrians. This mayor and city council remind me of the bush administration and the gop. "

 To Lets see wrote on July 22, 2008 5:10 pm:
" Guess what Lincoln is one of the more friendly biking cities in the country and doing things to enhance this will be key in keeping Lincoln a nice city. Yeah, gas prices hurt but if we can walk and bike to many things, we won't be completely held hostage to continued high gas prices. This is a good use of funds. "

 Lets see some more wrote on July 22, 2008 5:29 pm:
" Cyclists and pedestrians pay taxes, too, Let's See. Some of us have cars, and some of us wonder where our next meal might be coming from, too. And there will be more and more people using our trail infrastructure as gas prices continue to rise, for fun, fitness, and to keep food on their tables. Crossing 27th there can be very difficult, and this will make travel for many people much safer. Thanks! "

 jimmy wrote on July 22, 2008 5:40 pm:
" "lets see"
I disagree. Improving alternative forms of transportation couldn't be more unlike a bush policy. People aren't wondering where their next meal is coming from, they're more likely wondering where their next tank of gas is coming from. Maybe you'd be less concerned about minor tax increments if you left your car at home and rode your bike every once in a while. "

 About time wrote on July 22, 2008 5:56 pm:
" Better to spend on a bicycle bridge in the city's core than building another road in South lincoln that supports urban sprawl. All those against this should be ashamed. "

 acminnesota wrote on July 22, 2008 7:40 pm:
" I don't live in Lincoln anymore, but that is AWESOME! While living in Lincoln, we ran that trail a lot and I know what it was like to cross 27th street. I guarantee you, if a family member got injured or killed while crossing that busy street, there would be plenty of complaining. Quit the complaining and get out and enjoy the great network of trails in Lincoln. It's a straight shot from east Lincoln, all the way to the University. What a way to travel to the U! "

 CS wrote on July 22, 2008 8:05 pm:
" It's been proven. Lincolnites will complain about anything, even if they don't care, aren't involved, or will never use it-they just assume that no one else will either. A lot of the trail network comes from Federal grants and donations, too. Are you going to look up who may have donated money to the project just to harangue to them as well? Leave no gripe unturned. "

 Chris wrote on July 22, 2008 8:24 pm:
" How can anyone complain about this? Bicycling is fun and an excellent form of transportation. It doesn't pollute and staying healthy will keep your health care costs down.

As far as I know, gas for bikes is steady at about $0.00 per gallon.

I hope we'll continue to build more of these types of trails and ask that our employers support biking to work. "

 Harry the Antenna Guy wrote on July 22, 2008 9:11 pm:
" Congrats to the Great Plains Trails Network for playing an important role in getting this project done. It is nice to see money going into projects which are useful - i.e. projects which will allow more people to get off their back sides and work off some of that excess. "

 Zack wrote on July 22, 2008 10:19 pm:
" There's so much in this story that I want to complain about! Why are we supporting alternative modes of transportation? Why are we promoting healthy activities? I bet this is all a part of the plot by the University to take over the city! I for one will not support this bridge; I will drive my car to and from destinations any farther than 500 feet apart!

But seriously, being from Omaha, I hope every Lincolnite recognizes the amazing trail system that this city has built. "

 hollister wrote on July 23, 2008 6:59 am:
" I ride the MOPAC to work each day. have done so for 17 years now. This new bridge will be a great addition to a mighty fine bike road. Most trail users see the bike paths as neighborhood-building linear parks. There are NO negative factors to this project. "

 Dano wrote on July 23, 2008 9:13 am:
" I wish there was a MOPAC trail that went SW out of the city towards Crete. I would love to ride to work, but fear for my safety on Coddington and West Denton Road. A trail out that way would be awesome.

This is a great idea, means one less intrusion into traffic on a very busy roadway. Means safer travel for children and adults. It should have been done years ago. Great idea, great job Lincoln. "

 Now wrote on July 23, 2008 12:42 pm:
" Now if they could just build a bridge to replace the one removed in wilderness park that trail could also become more friendly end-to-end. Been waiting five years. "

 Tom wrote on August 6, 2008 2:48 pm:
" I would love to be a student on east campus now so I could ride my bike to city campus without getting run over. Thanks for getting this project going. I hope I can try it out someday. "

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