Public input is sought on a UNL master plan project that would close part of 17th Street and convert 16th Street to handle two-way traffic through City Campus.

The project, which is in the initial planning stages, has been part of the UNL master plan since 1998. The concept was developed to further make use of the Antelope Valley Project and direct more traffic away from the interior of UNL’s City Campus.

“The primary goal of this project is to reduce conflicts between cars, bikes and pedestrians,” said Jennifer Dam, assistant director of campus planning and space management. “If completed, the project would create a pedestrian-friendly area between the residence halls and recreation fields along 17th Street.”

The project would convert 17th Street to a pedestrian mall from immediately north of R Street to W Street. To the west, traffic flow on 16th Street would change from one-way south to two-way between R and W streets.

UNL and the City of Lincoln have worked with consultants from Schemmer Associates to develop nine possible designs for 16th Street. The design concepts include multiple options for medians, center turn lanes, bike lanes, parking and curb designs that shorten pedestrian street crossings.

“We’ve already received some fantastic feedback through meetings on campus, but what we really need is to have students, faculty and staff take a look at the concepts and let us know what they think,” Dam said.

Students, faculty, staff and the public can review the design concepts at http://go.unl.edu/1617. Feedback should be sent by May 20 via email to jdamshewchuk2@unl.edu. For additional information or questions, call 402-472-2823.