One Way to Two Way conversions

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Dundeemaha
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One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by Dundeemaha »

In the article Omaha wants two-way traffic on 20th Street, Florence Boulevard from the OWH on Christmas there was a small blurb from Ben Gray
the project is part of the city's plan to eliminate a lot of the one-way streets in and around downtown Omaha.
Is the plan for this documented in the master plan? I personally am extremely excited and encouraged by this. One Way streets provide marginal traffic flow improvements on the downtown grid, yet are a documented detriment to stores and consumer focused businesses located on them.

I know that recently we've seen some marginal improvements (Farnam through MTC and now eventually through the newly named Blackstone District) as well as individual proposals like the Harney Cycle Way, and 24th St being mentioned along with the Highline improvements. But while encouraging I hadn't seen any serious mention of attempting to help downtown's revitalization with a more comprehensive effort.
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Seth
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by Seth »

I also saw this article over the holiday. I think it's a great effort, and a bit interesting that it's in a currently slow area of redevelopment compared to other proposed two-way conversions (Blackstone district, etc). Hopefully this is part of momentum for a more comprehensive effort.
cdub
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by cdub »

Thats massively overstated. PW likes the one ways mostly, but has considered allowing a few changes in recent years that they had previously resisted.
I will say, however, that the benefit of the one ways is a lot of extra right of way and pavement that will provide for things like curb extensions, transit lanes and bike lanes.
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mcarch
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by mcarch »

Is this going to happen in downtown proper? If so, traffic will definitely be a disaster.
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TitosBuritoBarn
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by TitosBuritoBarn »

mcarch wrote:Is this going to happen in downtown proper?  If so, traffic will definitely be a disaster.
It shouldn't be. Road capacity would be about the same. Most of the one ways are two or four lanes across. Reversing the direction of half of the lanes on each street would just shift traffic patterns.
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mistergutierrez
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by mistergutierrez »

But it is not the same and intersection between two one-way streets than two two-way streets. In the second one the traffic is less fluent, adding congestion.
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GetUrban
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by GetUrban »

The main problem with converting the one-ways to two-ways downtown is it will be more difficult for cars to turn left across oncoming traffic lanes. Plus you need a turn signal and lane to "store" cars while they wait to turn left. The short blocks only have enough "storage" for about 5 or 6 cars in each direction to wait to turn left.

But the advantages of switching to two-way may outweigh the left turn problem, especially if the intersections can be made to be more pedestrian-friendly.
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iamjacobm
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by iamjacobm »

19th through Creighton's campus is now two way. Not sure if it continues north of Cuming.
ShawJ
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by ShawJ »

Dundeemaha wrote:
I know that recently we've seen some marginal improvements (Farnam through MTC and now eventually through the newly named Blackstone District).
Is there a timeline for this? I hope it happens sooner than later with all of the new momentum in the area.
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iamjacobm
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by iamjacobm »

Mention in the agenda of almost $677K for the conversion of Farnam from one-way to two-way.
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Coyote
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by Coyote »

What would it take to convert this that would cost that much? New traffic lights? A new paint job?
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iamjacobm
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by iamjacobm »

Signage too? Not sure what other than paint they will need.
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iamjacobm
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by iamjacobm »

Neighborhood is pushing to eliminate the Farnam lane changes during they day. They want it to be two way 24/7.
daveoma
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by daveoma »

iamjacobm wrote:Neighborhood is pushing to eliminate the Farnam lane changes during they day. They want it to be two way 24/7.
That might backup traffic into the neighborhood during rush hour.
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Dundeemaha
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Re: One Way to Two Way conversions

Post by Dundeemaha »

Also might limit the number of people driving 45mph down a residential street. Only one way to find out! :lol:
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